Brasília

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is searching since Saturday (23rd) for Brazilians residing in Venezuela to ask them if they want help leaving the country. "In case the political tension in Venezuela escalates, would you be interested in returning to Brazil, if the government provides means of transportation?" asks a questionnaire.

The form, classified as an alert, has been sent out by email and it is available at the Brazilian consulate in Caracas' website. The ministry said that around 13,000 Brazilian citizens live in Venezuela - the number is remaining stable for the last month.

A Brazilian Family walks through a field as they try to cross the border between Venezuela and Brazil - Bruno Kelly/Reuters

From the 1,900 people who replied to the inquiry, around 600 said they would be interested in going back if the situation worsens. The ministry is waiting for more replies to start an evacuation plan eventually.

The government is also negotiating to help Brazilians who were in Santa Elena do Uairén when the border was closed to return home. There are truck drivers and tourists hiking around Monte Roraima, among others, in this situation. So far, 30 people were allowed back to Brazil on Monday (25th).

Also on Saturday, the consulate issued a warning telling Brazilian citizens living in Venezuela, recommending them to avoid zones of open conflict and limiting their movements to the strictly necessary.

Translated by NATASHA MADOV

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