The Brazilian government has recently stated that some Asian nationals who are utilizing the country as a transit point to travel to North America would be subject to new entrance restrictions. New procedures are being implemented with the intention of addressing the growth in refugee applications and preventing the exploitation of Brazil’s visa-free rules.
Beginning on Monday, August 26, 2024, Brazil will begin imposing additional limits on the immigration of persons who are citizens of certain Asian countries. Those individuals who are using Brazil as a transit point in order to travel to the United States of America and Canada are the objective of the move, which was announced by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice. Specifically, this action will have an impact on tourists coming from Asian nations that are required to have visas in order to remain in Brazil.
Effects on Indians, Bangladeshis, Nepalese, & Vietnamese
Individuals of Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, and Vietnamese nationality constitute more than seventy percent of those seeking refuge at the international airport in São Paulo, as shown by an investigation conducted by the Federal Police. These limits are being implemented by the government in order to reduce the number of people who use Brazil as a departure point for illegal immigration to North America.
Visas that are accepted by Indians
In the event that they comply with the conditions of their visa, Indians who are in possession of valid visas for Brazil are permitted to continue their stay without any interruptions.
Without a visa, what are the consequences for travelers?
If a traveler arrives in Brazil without a visa, they are required to either continue their trip or return to the nation from which they originated. It has been made clear by the Ministry of Justice of Brazil that it would not deport these persons since Brazil is not necessarily their ultimate destination. Rather than that, the authorities will demand that they depart Brazil as soon as possible in order to prevent the nation from being used as a transit point for illegal immigration.
Migration Strategies That Are Commonly Employed
In order to go to South American nations, migrants often book flights that include a stopover in Brazil. They then make an application for asylum, forsake their initial travel intentions, and make an effort to remain in the country illegally after they have arrived in Brazil.
This strategy, which is gradually becoming more prevalent among migrants from Asian nations, is closely connected to human trafficking and activities that include smuggling people.
The Motives Behind the Introduced New Measures
This decision to impose these limits is being made with the intention of alleviating the burden that has been placed on Brazil’s immigration system and preventing the nation from being used as a route for illegal immigration. It is the intention of the Brazilian administration that these steps would discourage migrants from taking advantage of the visa-free transit regulations that the nation has in place.
Different kinds of visas for Brazil
Visas are available in Brazil in a variety of forms, each of which is designed to serve a specific purpose. The following is a list of the most important visa categories:
This visa is for short-term activities such as tourism, business, and transit. It is known as a Visitor Visa (VIVIS). For a period of up to ninety days. It is not permissible to have paid job.
Visas for diplomats and officials from other countries who are on official responsibilities are known as diplomatic visas.
Official visas are issued to foreign administrative officials who are participating in official missions that are associated with international organizations or governments from other countries.
A courtesy visa is granted to foreign dignitaries, their families, and domestic staff members who are there for non-official trips.
Covers a broad variety of activities, such as academic research, teaching, medical treatment, students, paid work, and more. Temporary Visa (VITEM): Covers a wide range of job opportunities.
The Visa for Visitors to Brazil (VIVIS)
The most important visa for tourists and visitors from India who are only staying for a short period of time is the Visitor Visa (VIVIS). In addition to being relevant for a variety of reasons, including the following, it permits a stay of up to ninety days.
Touring, participating in cultural events, going to see relatives, or going to conferences are all examples of tourism.
Meetings, events, fairs, and signing contracts are all examples of business-related activities.
Taking part in activities relating to the arts or sports, such as competitions.
Care for one’s health entails receiving medical attention.
Study, research, or academic training falls under the category of education and research.
Engaging in voluntary activities is referred to as “volunteer work.”
instances involving the adoption of a Brazilian juvenile are considered to be instances of adoption.
Conducting journalistic coverage or creating cinematic projects are both examples of journalism and filmmaking.
Prerequisites for Obtaining a Visitor Visa to Brazil
The Brazil Visitor Visa (VIVIS) comes with a number of special requirements, some of which include limitations on paid work, allowances for certain remunerations, and rules for transit and repeated entries. Applying individuals are required to abide by these regulations in order to guarantee a pleasant and legal stay in Brazil.
Holders with a VIVIS are not permitted to participate in any paid work opportunity.
Remunerations That Are Allowed Certain payments, such as daily allowances, are eligible for compensation.
Stopovers and Transit: If passengers stay in the international transit section of the airport during their stopovers, they are not needed to have a visa.
many Entries: As long as the laws governing visas are adhered to, the same visa may be used for a variety of reasons including many entries.
Visa Fees for Visitors to Brazil
When applying for a Brazil Visitor Visa (VIVIS), the costs vary from nation to country. The charge for India is around $80, which is equivalent to ₹6,710.
For Algeria, $85
The cost of Angola is $180
Hong Kong: $115
80 dollars (about 6,710 rupees) for India and other countries
The Documents That Are Required for a Visitor Visa
An active passport that has at least one visa page that is blank.
An application for a Brazilian visa that has been filled out.
An up-to-date photograph that is passport-sized and has a white backdrop.
Evidence that the individual has the financial resources to remain in Brazil.
The itinerary, which includes a round-trip ticket that has been bought, or an invitation letter from a host in Brazil.
Words to Conclude
For the purpose of addressing the rising problem of illegal migration across the country, Brazil has implemented new entrance restrictions on some Asian citizens. By imposing more stringent standards and increasing the number of visas that are required, Brazil is working to reduce the number of people who take advantage of its immigration system. At the same time, the country wants to make sure that genuine travelers are able to continue their trips without any interruptions.
The implementation of these measures demonstrates the nation’s dedication to remaining in control of its borders and tackling the issues that are presented by illegal migration and human trafficking.