Renata Giraldi Reporter Agência Brasil (and BBC Brasil)
Brasília - In 2009 and 2010 Brazilians were at the top of the list of foreigners refused entrance at European Union airports. In 2010, Brazilians were sixth on the list of foreigners arrested without proper documents (over 13,000 Brazilians were found living illegally in Europe, most of them in Portugal, Spain and France). According to the European agency for border control (“Frontex”), in 2010 slightly over 6,000 Brazilians were barred at EU airports (12% of all those barred).
Almost 30% of the Brazilians barred at airports were trying to disembark in Spain (1,813 cases). Another 673 were barred at French airports. The reasons for barring the Brazilians were mainly ambiguous travels plans or inability to prove they could cover the costs of staying in Europe (for example, EU immigration officials require travelers to show they have at least 60 euros per each day of their intended stay).
The number of citizens being turned away has put Brazilian authorities on alert and they are preparing measures to reduce the problem. “We have not been officially informed of these numbers,” says Maria Luiza Ribeiro Lopes da Silva, a diplomat who heads the Consular Department at the Foreign Ministry where a desk for Brazilians Abroad (“Brasileiros no Exterior”) is located. “What we do have are complaints from Brazilians who believe they have been treated unjustly in one way or another.”
Last year Brazilian officials met with European colleagues to draw up ground rules so as to avoid embarrassing situations for visitors. The idea is get police and immigration agents familiar with cultural differences and prepare consular officers for eventual problems. At the same time the ministry (“Itamaraty”) has prepared a booklet with a list of recommended steps that Brazilians planning to visit, work or study in Europe should take to avoid any difficulties. According to Itamaraty, the idea is to make Brazilians aware of the possible problems they may face upon arrival in Europe.
Itamaraty stresses that any Brazilian who feels victimized by prejudice or arbitrary action has the right to consular assistance. In Brazil, further information for travelers can be obtained at 61-3411-6456. For Brazilians abroad, the number to call is 55-61-3411-8803. Information is also provided on the internet at www.portalconsular.mre.gov.br
Allen Bennett – translator/editor The News in English
Link - Preocupadas com restrições a brasileiros no exterior, autoridades intensificam campanhas de esclarecimento
Link - Brasileiros foram os mais barrados em aeroportos de países da UE em 2010
Link - Brasileiros devem tentar se prevenir contra restrições de entrada na Europa, dizem autoridades
