Brazil denies intent to limit Venezuelan immigration

Source: Xinhua| 2018-08-30 14:19:41|Editor: Chengcheng
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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian presidential office released on Wednesday an official statement denying that they intend to limit Venezuelan immigrants' entry into the country or close the border to Venezuela.

The government has repeatedly denied any intention to close the border, which was requested by the authorities of its northernmost state of Roraima.

Roraima borders Venezuela and is Venezuelan immigrants' main entrance into Brazil.

Earlier in the day, President Michel Temer said in a radio interview that the government is considering distributing queue numbers to organize the entry into Brazil. Some 800 Venezuelans are estimated to enter Brazil every day through Roraima.

However, it does not mean a restriction of any form in the immigrants' entry, but only a measure to "improve a humanitarian treatment in Roraima," the government stated.

In the interview, the president criticized Venezuela for refusing Brazil's help, which according to him, could have prevented such a large immigration as well as "disharmony in the South American continent."

He also reaffirmed the government's intent to move the immigrants to other states in order to reduce Roraima's burden.

Roraima is the least populated state in Brazil and has been facing significant challenges in dealing with an extra demand for public healthcare, education, housing and public security due to the large immigrant population.

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