Brazil Safeguards Immigrants' Rights Amidst Tighter Visa Rules

Brazil has ensured 32 immigrants at Sao Paulo's Guarulhos Airport won't be forcibly repatriated as per court rulings. The move addresses habeas corpus requests and guarantees the right to seek refuge, even amidst new stringent visa regulations aimed at curbing human trafficking routes through Brazil.

Brazil has guaranteed 32 immigrants of various nationalities at Sao Paulo's Guarulhos Airport the right not to be forcibly repatriated, according to court rulings obtained by Reuters.

The rulings respond to habeas corpus requests filed by the Federal Public Defender's Office, allowing the immigrants to request refuge in Brazil. The group includes individuals from Nepal, Eritrea, Ghana, Cameroon, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, and a Somali teenager who entered Brazil using a false passport.

All the immigrants arrived after Brazil imposed stricter visa rules on Aug. 26. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security claims the regulations aim to curb human trafficking. However, the Federal Public Defender's Office argues these rules infringe on the right to seek refuge. The Justice Ministry has not yet commented on the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)