Asian migrants stuck for weeks at Brazilian airport

At least 666 migrants without visas are waiting to enter Brazil at Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, an official said, as the Brazilian government plans to tighten entry regulations on August 26 to stem the flow of foreigners using Brazil as a stopover on their way to the United States and Canada.

Migrants are held in a restricted area, not allowed to shower, have difficulty getting food and water, while children and teenagers suffer from the cold without blankets, the official said.

Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport. Photo: Reuters

The health of migrants is deteriorating and their human rights are being violated, according to the Public Attorney’s Office. The agency said the migrants’ living conditions urgently need to be improved, calling on authorities to comply with Brazilian law based on the humanitarian principle of accepting refugees and not returning them to their home countries.

A 39-year-old migrant from Ghana died two weeks ago of unknown causes, a spokesman for the office said. It is unclear whether he died while being detained at the airport or on the way to hospital.

Starting August 26, foreign visitors without a Brazilian visa who want to travel to another country must travel directly to their destination or return to their home country, Brazil's Public Security Ministry said.

The ministry said Brazil has seen a surge in foreign tourists, especially from Asia, landing in the country in transit on their way to North America. To enter Brazil, they seek asylum, citing persecution and threats in their home countries, but most head north when they can.

Passengers arriving in Sao Paulo without a visa will not be allowed to stay in Brazil for now, the ministry said. It is unclear whether the new rules will apply to migrants already at Sao Paulo Airport or only to those arriving after the rules go into effect.

Immigration experts worry that the proposed rules would go against the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention, which calls on countries to take in people at risk in their home countries, even if they are undocumented.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hang-tram-nguoi-di-cu-chau-a-bi-mac-ket-thieu-an-nhieu-tuan-tai-san-bay-brazil-post309287.html