SOCIAL INTEGRATION

Support and Security

In order to provide greater comfort and security for new people seeking to reside in Brazil, the need for a series of rights and duties in the social sphere for these immigrants was created. Here we gather the main laws and rights that assist immigrants during their period of adaptation or in times of greater need.

Main Needs

The needs for social integration of immigrants may vary depending on the destination country and the individual circumstances of each immigrant. However, some of the most common needs include:

1. Learning the local language: the ability to communicate effectively in a new environment is essential to integrate into local society and find work.
2. Knowledge of laws and social norms: immigrants need to understand the laws, norms, and values of the society in which they are inserted in order to adapt and avoid conflicts.
3. Education and training: access to education and training can help immigrants acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to secure employment and succeed professionally.
4. Support networks: building social and support networks is important for immigrants to feel included and supported, whether through community groups, religious organizations, or other informal networks.
5. Access to public services: access to public services, such as healthcare and social assistance, is essential to ensure that immigrants have an adequate quality of life.
6. Respect for the culture of origin: immigrants should be respected in relation to their cultural backgrounds and traditions, without discrimination or prejudice.

7. Employment and job opportunities: access to job opportunities is crucial for immigrants to sustain themselves and contribute to the local economy. This can also help them feel valued and included in society.
8. Access to adequate housing: a safe and suitable place to live is essential for the stability and well-being of immigrants, as well as for their integration into the community.
9. Access to translation and interpretation services: many immigrants may face language barriers, making it difficult to access essential services. Translation and interpretation services can help overcome these barriers.
10. Civic participation: immigrants should have opportunities to participate in the civic and political life of their community, whether through voting, involvement in local organizations, or exercising freedom of expression.
11. Security and Protection: Immigrants should have access to legal protection and personal security to ensure they are treated with fairness and equality and are not victims of discrimination or violence. By providing support in these areas, immigrants can feel more comfortable and confident in their new communities, which can lead to better social and economic integration.

Support

Located in various regions of the country, NGOs that seek to welcome and provide support for immigrants are a valuable resource for encouraging their stay and improving their experience in the country.
Below are some NGOs that can assist you:

1. ADUS - Refugee Reintegration Institute: The organization aims to promote the reintegration of refugees through education, culture, sports, work, and entrepreneurship programs. They offer Portuguese language courses, professional training, legal, psychological, and social support, as well as other activities that promote social inclusion.

2. Casa do Migrante de São Paulo: An organization that provides assistance to immigrants and refugees arriving in São Paulo. They offer accommodation, meals, legal and psychological support, assistance in job search, and Portuguese language classes.

3. Instituto Migrações e Direitos Humanos (IMDH): An organization that defends the rights of migrants and refugees in Brazil. They offer legal, social, and psychological support, as well as promote integration activities and professional training for immigrants and refugees.

4. Missão Paz: A religious organization that offers shelter, legal and psychological support, guidance for obtaining documents, and Portuguese language courses for immigrants and refugees.

5. Cáritas Arquidiocesana de São Paulo: The organization provides assistance to migrants and refugees in São Paulo, offering legal, psychological, and social support, as well as Portuguese language classes, vocational training, and integration activities.

Rights and Support

With the increasing migration to Brazil, the country has been seeking more means to ensure the social integration of immigrants. For this purpose, several laws and policies have been established to facilitate immigrants' access to public services, protect their rights, and ensure their inclusion in Brazilian society.

The Foreigners Statute, a law that establishes the rules for the entry, stay, and exit of foreigners in the country, provides rights and obligations for immigrants during their stay in Brazil. The National Immigration Policy, launched in 2017, aims to guarantee the protection of immigrants' rights in Brazil, promote their social and economic integration, and strengthen cooperation with other countries.

In addition, the National Policies for Immigrants Plan, launched in 2014, seeks to ensure the integration of immigrants in areas such as education, health, work, and social assistance. The Migration Law, approved in 2017, establishes new rules for the entry and stay of immigrants in the country, including facilitating access to documentation and public services for immigrants and refugees.

Finally, the Refugee Law guarantees refugees rights such as education, work, and social assistance, as well as enabling their local integration into Brazilian communities. All these laws and policies aim to ensure the social inclusion of immigrants in Brazil, allowing them to live in a dignified manner and fully participate in Brazilian society.

Health

Refugees in Brazil can have access to free healthcare services through the Unified Health System (SUS), just like Brazilians. To request health assistance, it is necessary to register with the SUS at the nearest Basic Health Unit (UBS) to where the refugee lives.

To register with the SUS, basic documentation such as identification card or passport, CPF (tax identification number), and proof of residence must be provided. Some states and municipalities may require additional documentation for refugees, such as the Temporary Protocol of Refugee Application (PPSR) or the National Migration Registry Card (CRNM).

After registering with the SUS, refugees can use the healthcare services available at the UBS, such as medical consultations, laboratory tests, vaccinations, dental care, among others. Additionally, some Brazilian states and municipalities have specific healthcare programs for refugees, including specialized clinics and psychological assistance.

If the refugee does not speak Portuguese, the SUS also offers translation and interpretation services to help communicate with healthcare professionals. We have information on how to request translation services here.

It is important to remember that access to the SUS is a right for all residents in Brazil, regardless of nationality or migratory status.

To register with the Unified Health System (SUS), the person will need to:

1. Go to the nearest service center;
2. Present their identification card or passport;
3. Tax identification number (CPF);
4. Proof of residence.

Education

Immigrants and their children have the right to access education in Brazil, whether in early childhood education, elementary school, or high school. To enroll in a Brazilian public school, immigrants must follow the same procedures as Brazilians.

The first step is to find a school near the immigrant's residence. Enrollment should be done at the Education Department of the state or municipality where the school is located. It is important to have the necessary documentation on hand, such as proof of residence, identification card, birth or marriage certificate, and school records (if applicable).

Some schools may require specific documentation for immigrants, such as the Temporary Protocol of Refugee Application (PPSR), the National Migration Registry Card (CRNM), or the Reception Declaration from the Interiorization Program. However, in general, Brazilian public schools accept the passport or equivalent document from the country of origin as identification.

Once enrolled in school, the student is entitled to all the services offered, such as school meals, educational materials, and extracurricular activities. If the student does not speak Portuguese, the school should provide Portuguese language teachers as a second language to facilitate their adaptation.

It is worth noting that education is a fundamental human right, and immigrants have the right to receive it in a dignified manner and without discrimination. Brazilian schools have the duty to promote the inclusion of immigrant students, respecting their culture and providing them with a welcoming and egalitarian environment.

Learn more about this documentation here.