Brazil, Venezuela work out details on returning Brazilians from border
A group of approximately a hundred Brazilians who were being detained in Santa Elena do Uairén, in Venezuela, near the border with the Brazilian municipality of Pacaraima, was allowed to leave the area after long talks between Brazilian and Venezuelan authorities. They were permitted to go back to Brazil yesterday (Feb. 26), according to information from the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.
In the group, there are tourists and residents, including children, in addition to truck drivers. First it was announced that only those suffering from health issues would be allowed to return to Brazilian territory.
The border between Brazil and Venezuela has been closed since February 22, when Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro unveiled the measure. Since then, there have been conflicts and violent clashes in the area, with people being killed and injured.
Brazilians living in Venezuela add up to some 11,800, as per official data. Not all plan to return to Brazil, as many hold dual citizenship and would rather prefer to stay in Venezuela.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Relations said that the “consular service continues to help Brazilians regarding their interest in leaving [Venezuela].” Brazil has consulates in four Venezuelan cities, among which Santa Elena do Uairén and Caracas. No Brazilians in Caracas have been reported to want to return to Brazil, according to preliminary information.
