A humanitarian crisis is unfolding at São Paulo International Airport in Brazil, where over 666 Asian migrants, many from India, Nepal, and Vietnam, are stranded in dire conditions. These migrants, who arrived without visas, are confined to a restricted area of the airport, facing a desperate situation as they await entry into the country.
Reports paint a grim picture of their plight. Many, including children, are forced to sleep on the floor, lacking access to basic necessities like food, water, and blankets. The Public Defender’s Office has expressed alarm at the rapidly deteriorating health of these individuals, with a Ghanaian migrant reportedly dying two weeks ago. The circumstances of the death, whether at the airport or en route to a hospital, remain unclear.
The Public Defender’s Office has urged Brazilian authorities to uphold humanitarian principles and offer refuge to these migrants instead of sending them back. This appeal comes as Brazil prepares to implement new restrictions on the entry of some Asian migrants starting Monday, as announced by The Associated Press.
The new policy will require visas for those seeking refuge, particularly impacting migrants using São Paulo’s airport as a layover on their journey to North America. Many of these migrants choose to remain in Brazil, hoping to secure asylum, rather than continuing their travel to the US or Canada.
Jean Uema, head of Brazil’s refugee committee, has clarified that the new rules will specifically target São Paulo’s airport but will not alter Brazil’s broader asylum policies. It remains uncertain whether these new restrictions will apply to the migrants currently stranded at the airport or only to future arrivals. This uncertainty further compounds the distress and uncertainty faced by these individuals, highlighting the urgent need for a humane and compassionate response to their situation.
