Brazil is to impose new restrictions on the entry of some Asian citizens who, according to federal police, have been using the country as a transit point to migrate to the United States and Canada. The Brazilian Ministry of Justice announced in a press release that starting Monday (August 26), travelers from Asian countries who require a visa to stay in Brazil will face new rules. These measures are aimed at those who arrive in Brazil without a visa and plan to continue their journey to another country.
How will this affect Indian, Nepalese and Vietnamese citizens?
According to an investigation by the Brazilian federal police, more than 70% of asylum seekers at São Paulo’s international airport are Indian, Nepalese and Vietnamese citizens. “Brazilian authorities are cracking down on the practice of using Brazil as a starting point for migration to North America by these citizens,” AP news agency reported, citing federal police.
What will happen to people without visas?
For those who arrive in Brazil without a visa and intend to stay or use the country as a transit point to North America, the rules are clear: they must continue their journey or return home. Brazil’s Ministry of Justice stated that these travelers will not be deported, as Brazil is not their final destination. Instead, they will be told to continue their journey or return to their point of origin. This policy is intended to curb the misuse of Brazil as a gateway for irregular migration.
Why did Brazil decide to implement these measures?
The decision to impose these restrictions is due to the findings of an investigation by the Federal Police. The investigation revealed that many migrants, especially from Asian countries, are exploiting Brazil’s visa-free transit policies to seek asylum and remain in the country illegally, AP reported on the investigation report. Criminal organizations have been advising these travelers to apply for asylum as a loophole to circumvent visa requirements. This has led to a sharp increase in the number of asylum applications at Guarulhos International Airport, causing a strain on Brazil’s immigration system, the investigation revealed.
Travelers buy tickets to travel to South American countries with a stopover in Brazil. Once in Brazil, they apply for asylum, abandon their original travel plans, and attempt to stay in the country illegally. This tactic has become increasingly common, with many migrants using Brazil as a first step on their journey to North America. The influx of migrants, particularly from Asian countries, has been linked to human trafficking and migrant smuggling operations. These operations often involve the use of false documents and the exploitation of Brazil’s asylum system. The police report highlighted that the number of asylum applications at São Paulo’s international airport has skyrocketed over the past decade, from just 69 in 2013 to more than 6,000 in 2023.
What about Indians with valid visas?
Indians holding valid visas for Brazil can continue their stay without interruption in accordance with the terms of their visa.
Types of visas offered by Brazil:
1. Visitor visa (VIVIS): This visa is designed for short-term activities, such as tourism, business, transit or participation in cultural, educational or sporting events. It is valid for up to 90 days and does not allow any type of paid employment.
2. Diplomatic visa:This visa, issued to foreign diplomats and officials on official duties, covers both temporary and permanent assignments.
3. Official visaThis visa is for foreign administrative personnel on official missions, whether temporary or permanent, linked to foreign governments or international organizations.
4. Courtesy visa:Aimed at foreign dignitaries and officials on unofficial visits, this visa also covers their families and domestic staff, as well as foreign artists and athletes participating in non-profit cultural events.
5. Temporary Visa (VINE)This broad category includes visas for academic research, teaching, medical treatment, humanitarian support, students, paid employment, working holidays, religious ministers, volunteers, investors and those who contribute significantly to the economic, scientific, technological or cultural sectors.
What about the Brazilian visitor visa (VIVIS)?
For tourists and short-term visitors to India, the visitor visa (VIVIS) is the most relevant. This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days and is applicable for various purposes such as:
Tourism:For tourism, cultural activities, visiting relatives or attending conferences.
Business:To attend meetings, events, fairs and contract signings.
Artistic or sporting activities:To participate in related events.
Health treatment:To receive medical attention.
Education and research:For study, research or academic training.
Volunteer work:To participate in volunteer activities.
Adoption:In cases involving adoption of a Brazilian minor.
Journalism and filming:To carry out journalistic coverage or filming projects.
Conditions for visitor visa:
Unemployed in Brazil:Holders of a Brazilian Visitor Visa cannot engage in paid employment.
Allowed remunerations:Certain payments, such as per diems or artistic remuneration, are permitted.
Scales and transits:Travelers do not need a visa for stopovers or connections as long as they remain in the international transit area of the airport.
Multiple purposes and inputs: The same visa can be used for multiple purposes and multiple entries, as long as the visa rules are followed.
If you need a visitor visa, you must have the following documents:
1. A valid passport with at least one blank visa page.
2. A completed Brazilian visa application form.
3. A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
4. Proof of financial means to stay in Brazil.
5. A round-trip ticket or a booked itinerary, or a letter of invitation from a host in Brazil.
Depending on the nature of the visit, additional documents may be required, such as an invitation letter for business travelers or a birth certificate for minors.
Brazil Visitor Visa Costs:
The fees for a VIVIS Brazil vary by country:
Algeria:$85
Angola:$180
Porcelain:$115
India and other countries:80 dollars (approximately Rs. 6,710)
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