Brazil is set to crack down on the illegal route used by Indians and other South Asians to reach the US and Canada through its territory. Many immigrants, primarily from India, Nepal, and Vietnam, exploit layovers at São Paulo’s international airport to request asylum in Brazil instead of continuing their journey to North America. Starting August 27, Brazil will impose new restrictions, requiring travelers without visas to either continue their pre-booked flights or return to their country of origin.
This move comes in response to a significant increase in asylum requests at the airport, which has overwhelmed Brazil’s immigration system. The new measures aim to prevent further misuse of Brazil as a transit point for migrants seeking to enter the US and Canada. The restrictions will not apply to the 484 migrants currently at São Paulo’s airport but will impact future travelers.
Brazil has historically welcomed refugees, especially those fleeing crises, but the current administration under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is tightening the guidelines due to the growing strain on the immigration system. The Brazilian Federal Police reported a surge in asylum requests, with over 9,000 received by mid-July 2024, more than double the total from the previous year.
