Kathmandu, Aug 27: The Nepali Embassy has confirmed that 176 Nepali citizens currently in the transit area of Sao Paulo Airport in Brazil are safe, with humanitarian assistance ready to be provided if needed.

This response follows reports that around 700 foreign nationals, including Nepalis, have been detained in transit at the airport. The embassy has noted a rising trend of individuals traveling to South American countries, intending to illegally enter the United States through nations like Brazil. The embassy mentioned that many Nepalis are lured into this journey by organized human traffickers, leading to significant hardships and financial losses.

The Brazilian government has recently enforced a new rule requiring passport holders from countries like Nepal to obtain an entry permit before being allowed entry into Brazil. Nepali travelers must now fly directly to their destination country through Brazil, or they will be sent back on the same plane. The embassy emphasized that those stranded at the airport will not be granted refugee status.

The embassy has advised against traveling through human trafficking networks, highlighting the risks and uncertainties involved. They recommend only traveling through Brazil or other countries if there is a valid reason to do so.