KATHMANDU: Due to an increase of migrants utilizing Sao Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport as a stopover to request asylum, Brazil is stiffening entry procedures as of Monday. This tightening is a reaction to a surge in visitors from Asian nations, such as Vietnam, Nepal, and India, who purchase tickets to other South American locations before requesting asylum in Brazil. Their ultimate objective is to make the hazardous journey overland to the United States, frequently via the Darien Gap jungle.
The Brazilian Ministry of Justice has brought attention to the fact that criminal groups are using Brazil as a hub for the smuggling of people. Many migrants stay for weeks in the airport's transit zone, despite the fact that their true destination is north. Authorities recently reported that 481 people were detained at the airport; many of them had to wait in long lines just to get basic supplies.
In order to tackle the problem, the Brazilian government has introduced new rules mandating that visitors from nations that require a visa obtain a transit visa in order to make stopovers. The provision of evidence of political persecution or violence in their own countries is now mandatory for asylum seekers. Reduced exploitation of Brazil as a conduit for unauthorized immigration is the goal of this initiative.
The number of asylum applications at Guarulhos Airport has surged dramatically, increasing 60-fold over the past decade. Official data shows a rise from 69 applications in 2013 to 4,239 in 2023, with 5,428 applications filed from January to July this year alone. This surge has continued into August, with an average of 41 applications per day.
A recent report by Brazil's Public Defense highlighted severe human rights issues faced by migrants at the airport, including poor hygiene, inadequate food, and increasing medical needs. Following an emergency meeting, authorities have increased staffing to expedite asylum processing and address the growing demand for support.
