Over the past 18 months, Brazil has seen a significant rise in Nepali asylum seekers, making them the third-largest group in the country, according to the Brazilian police’s Intelligence Data Analysis Center. This surge has prompted Brazil to implement stricter immigration policies for Nepali
Nepalis are the third-largest group of asylum seekers in Brazil, making up 22.8% of total claims from January 2023 to July 2024.
New rules require Nepali passportholders to obtain advance transit visas and travel directly to their destination
The Nepali Embassy in Brazil warns against illegal transit routes facilitated by human traffickers.
98% of asylum seekers use Brazil as a transit point, with most moving on to Peru or North America.
Nepalis Among Top Asylum Seekers
From January 2023 to July 2024, approximately 1,900 Nepalis sought asylum in Brazil, comprising 22.8% of the total 8,300 asylum applications. Nepal ranked third, following Vietnam (23.5%) and India (23.9%). Together, these three nationalities accounted for 70% of all asylum applications in Brazil during this period.
Stricter Immigration Rules
In response, Brazil has introduced a policy requiring Nepali passport holders to obtain advance visas, even for transit. Nepali visitors must now travel directly to their destination country if transiting through Brazil. Failure to comply will result in deportation without the option to claim refugee status.
Concerns Over Misuse of Transit Routes
The Nepali Embassy in Brazil confirmed these new rules and expressed concerns about Brazil being used as a transit route by Nepalis attempting to reach the U.S. and Canada through illegal means. The embassy warned against the risks of such travel, often facilitated by human traffickers, and urged Nepalis to ensure proper documentation.
The Brazilian police’s intelligence unit reported that 98% of asylum seekers use the country as a transit point, moving on to Peru as a gateway to North America. Only 1.41% of asylum seekers remain in Brazil, while most either leave shortly after applying for asylum or stay illegally.
Investigations into Human Trafficking
The Nepal Police’s Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau has launched an inquiry into the cases of Nepalis stranded at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport following Brazil’s crackdown on transit visa misuse.
Savyata Adhikari is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.
This development highlights the complex challenges faced by Nepalis abroad and the increasing scrutiny from Brazilian authorities in managing asylum claims and immigration issues.
