Brazilians attempt to leave Venezuela at the border with Roraima.

Brazil Agency - After Venezuela closed its borders with Brazil and Colombia until January 2nd, approximately 50 people contacted the Brazilian vice-consulate in Santa Elena de Uiaren, a Brazilian city bordering the state of Roraima, wanting to return to Brazil.

Regarding the closure of the Venezuelan border, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that "efforts are being made to find a solution for Brazilians who wish to return to Brazil." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs requests that Brazilians requiring emergency consular assistance to return to the country contact the Brazilian Vice-Consulate in Santa Elena de Uiarén.

The announcement of the extension of the border closure, which began on the 13th, was made yesterday by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and, officially, is a measure to "continue with policies aimed at defeating the criminal mafias that operate to remove paper money [from circulation] and, in this way, attack the economic and social stability of the Venezuelan people." The extension was reported by the Venezuelan News Agency.

According to the Lusa news agency, thousands of Venezuelans are unable to receive their salaries, which are paid bi-weekly in the country, due to a shortage of banknotes in banks, where long lines of customers have been reported daily for several days. Yesterday, President Maduro also announced the extension of the 100-bolivar note until January 2nd.