Brazil Tightens Immigration Policies at São Paulo Starting August 27th

In a significant policy shift, Brazil has announced new immigration restrictions aimed at curbing the exploitation of its airports by migrants traveling from Asia, particularly those using São Paulo’s international airport as a transit point to reach North America. The move, which comes into effect on August 27, 2024, is a response to the overwhelming number of refugee requests that have strained the country’s immigration system.

The Brazilian Justice Ministry has announced significant changes in the immigration policy starting August 27, 2024,in order to curb illegal migration. This new immigration policy particularly targets migrants from countries like India, Vietnam and Nepal,who use the São Paulo airport as a gateway to enter USA and Canada unlawfully. Under this new policy, travellers who arrive in Sao Paulo without visas will be required to either resume their journey or return to their country of origin. Thus, preventing them from exploiting the refugee status offered by Brazil. 

São Paulo Airport: A Strategic Hub for Asian Migrants

According to The Brazilian Federal Police report, over 70% of the refuge requests at São Paulo airport come from Asian countries like India, Nepal, and Vietnam. It also reported that these  individuals often come disguised as travellers who have booked flights to various destinations with layovers in São Paulo. However, rather than resuming their journey, they intentionally stay in Brazil and apply for refugee status. 

After claiming for refugee status, these migrants often use illicit and dangerous route from São Paulo to the state of Acre that shares borders with Peru, from where they go towards Central America and then reach the southern border of US. 

Why did this Cause a Problem for Brazil?

Brazil has always been regarded as a safe haven for refugees. In the past it has harboured migrants from many countries including Ukraine, Syria and Afghanistan. Brazil has granted 11,248 humanitarian visas to Afghans and has received more than 9000 requests for refugee this year. Large scale migrant ion not only puts strain on Brazil’s resources but also creates pressure on the administration which is responsible for processing migrants.

The decision to increase restrictions of immigration law was also prompted by the police investigations which revealed that many asylum seekers exploit Brazil’s visa policy and stay illegally in the country. In addition these illegal migrants are linked with drug smuggling, human trafficking and other criminal activities. Many locals are concerned about the high number of foreigners who are living in the country without legal documents or with fake documents. They are affiliated with illegal criminal network internationally. 

What does this new law mean for immigrants?

Despite the new regulations, the Brazilian government has stated that the changes will not affect the 484 migrants currently staying at São Paulo’s airport. These individuals will be allowed to remain while their cases are processed. However, starting August 27, new arrivals without proper visas will face the updated requirements designed to address the misuse of Brazil’s airports.

Many international organisations are concerned over the violation of 1951 UN refugee Conventions, which require all the countries to take in those who are at a risk in their own countries.However this concern has been clarified by the head of Brazil refugee’s committee, Jean Uema, told Reuters the rules are only applicable to São Paulo airport and there would no change in their policy towards genuine asylum seekers.