Brazil has received international praise for its migrant support efforts after the International Organization for Migration commended the country’s approach to inclusion and protection. The recognition came during an official visit by IOM Chief of Staff Mohammed Abdiker, who met with top government officials and toured migrant reception and integration centres. The visit showed how Brazil migrant support efforts focus on dignity, safety, and access to essential services.
During the visit, Abdiker highlighted Brazil’s people-focused migration policies. He noted that the country’s investment in public systems is helping migrants and returning nationals access protection, healthcare, documentation, and long-term opportunities. According to him, policies built on respect and inclusion are creating positive results for both migrants and the communities that host them.
The IOM delegation travelled to Boa Vista and Pacaraima to observe Operation Welcome, one of Brazil’s largest migrant response programs. This government-led initiative brings together national authorities, the Armed Forces, the United Nations, and civil society groups. The program provides reception, legal documentation, protection services, relocation support, and help with integration into local communities.
Operation Welcome has played a major role in supporting Venezuelan migrants. Since 2018, the initiative has helped more than 600,000 Venezuelans obtain legal status in Brazil. It has also supported the voluntary relocation of over 150,000 migrants to different cities where they can find work, housing, and better living conditions. IOM described Brazil migrant support efforts as especially important at a time when global humanitarian funding is declining.
Meetings in Brasília also focused on support for returning Brazilian nationals. IOM praised the Aqui é Brasil Program, which helps returnees reintegrate into society. The program offers safe arrival assistance and connects people to social services, identity documents, and job opportunities. This ensures that returnees can rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.
Brazil’s broader investment in social protection systems was another key point of discussion. Emergency support structures such as FORSUAS, which receive technical help from IOM, are helping vulnerable families, including migrants and returnees. These systems strengthen Brazil migrant support efforts by ensuring that people in need can quickly access assistance.
Why is Brazil being praised for its migrant policies?
Brazil is being recognized because it combines legal protection, social services, and integration support through large-scale programs like Operation Welcome. These efforts show how coordinated migration policies can benefit both migrants and host communities.
The visit ended with both Brazil and IOM reaffirming their long-standing partnership. They agreed to continue working together on practical and inclusive migration solutions. Brazil migrant support efforts are now being seen as an example of how countries can respond to migration in a humane, organized, and sustainable way.