Afghan Evacuees and Brazil
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Some Afghans at-risk seek to leave Afghanistan for neighoring countries.
Although not neighboring, Brazil has been a destination for some
refugees. Many of the Afghans that enter Brazil attempt to reach the
U.S. southern border - along a dangerous route that brings them into
contact with human traffickers, corrupt officials and police, crime
gangs, and drug cartels.
Humanitarian Visas for Afghan Citizens
On September 3, 2021, Brazil established the granting of a temporary
visa and residence permit for the purpose of humanitarian reception for
Afghan nationals, stateless persons, and people affected by the
instabilty in Afghanistan. The visa is aimed at those who are under real
threat by the situation in Afghanistan. At the time of the announcement
the temporary visa could be issued by the Brazilian Embassies in Tehran,
Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Doha, Islamabad, and Moscow. Since then, the Tehran
Embassy is limiting interviews as they were overwhelmed with requests
for visas.
Brazil has also taken steps (as of Sep 2023) to limit the exodus of
Afghans to Brazil, as many are using the country as a way station for
the dangerous route to the U.S. southern border.
September 6, 2021, "Brazil to Grant Humanitarian Visa to
Afghans", Agencia Brasil
https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/direitos-humanos/noticia/2021-09/brazil-grant-humanitarian-visa-afghans
"Brazil will grant humanitarian visas to Afghans, stateless people, and
those affected by the severe situation or imminent institutional
instability or severe violation of human rights or of the International
Humanitarian Law in Afghanistan.
Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Relations Carlos França and Minister of
Justice and Public Security Anderson Torres on Friday (Sep. 3) signed an
inter-ministerial regulation on the concession of temporary visas and
residence permits for humanitarian shelter.
According to the joint note issued by the ministries, the move is based
on the humanitarian principles of Brazil’s migratory policy, as mandated
by a 2017 law, which offers “a protection tool, reaffirming Brazil’s
commitment to human rights and international solidarity.”
The visa, the note reads, represents an expected entry into the country
and does not imply that the government should afford travel costs for
immigrants coming to Brazil.
The embassies in Islamabad, Tehran, Moscow, Ankara, Doha, and Abu Dhabi
will be licensed to process visa requests for humanitarian shelter.
Brazil does not have an embassy or a consulate in Afghanistan."
References
Brazil - Information for the Afghan Population
UNHCR Help Brazil
https://help.unhcr.org/brazil/en/information-for-the-afghan-population/
Brazil - CIA World Fact Book
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/brazil/summaries
February 1, 2023,
"Nobody Wants to Come this Way", Reuters. Some Afghans risk
11-country trek to seek haven in United States.
"Like An Obstacle Course", Amnesty International, October 2021.
There are few routes to safety for Afghans trying to flee their country.
A detailed look at the various countries where Afghans are seeking
refuge.
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2062588/ASA1148322021ENGLISH.pdf
News Articles
September 27, 2023,
"Brazil Alters Reception Policy for Afghans and
Wants to Stop Being a Route to the USA", Folha de S. Paulo.
The Brazilian government has announced a change in the humanitarian
reception policy for Afghans on the grounds that Brazil has established
itself as a gateway for immigrants who, fleeing the Taliban, seek to
emigrate to the United States along dangerous routes.
November 30, 2022,
Afghan soldier fleeing the Taliban, travels through Brazil, to Reach the
U.S., Texas Tribune. An Afghan special operations forces
soldier took the perilous journey from Brazil to the U.S. southern
border.
October 17, 2022,
"New Arrivals: Afghan Refugees Camped in Brazilian Airport",
Voice of America.
October 14, 2022,
"Afghan refugees camp out in Brazilian airport in search of new life",
by Fernando Cardoso, Reuters. Brazil has approved about 6,000
humanitarian visas for Afghan refugees since late 2021. The Afghans are
arriving so fast on a daily basis that the refugee agency can't find
enough lodging.
September 2, 2022,
"As Biden administration fails Afghan allies, more make perilous trip to
US southern border", by Beth Bailey, Washington Examiner.
Afghans are now obtaining Brazilian humanitarian visas and pursuing
dangerous and expensive travel to the Mexican border to request asylum
in the U.S.
December 4, 2021.
"Afghan judges in Brazil still fear the Taliban", AP News.
Afghan female judges and their families were transported to
Mazar-i-Sharif where they boarded a plane that took them to Greece. Some
of them traveled onward to Brazil.
September 5, 2021,
"What Brazil Can Do to Help Afghans at Risk", by Mari Laura
Canineu, Human Rights Watch.
August 30, 2021,
"Evacuation of Brazilian Citizens from Afghanistan", Gov.br.
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