Brazil extends for more two years visas of Syrian refugees

President of the National Committee for Refugees (Conare) Beto Vasconcelos announced Monday (Sep. 21) that Brazil has approved the extension for more two years of special visa issuing to Syrian immigrants and to people affected by the conflict in the region. According to him, this visa issuing is considered special because the formalities and documents usually required for ordinary visas, like the return travel tickets to home countries, are not necessary.

The Conare also authorized the Foreign Ministry to establish partnerships with international entities and agencies such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to improve the special visa issuing procedures.

"Our intention is to enhance efficiency and, if possible, to raise the possibility of issuing these visas to ensure the access to our national refuge system to more people living the humanitarian drama. A partnership with the UNHCR can help our units to better respond to those requests. Brazil has the conditions to welcome these immigrants. It is the right choice we make for humanity," Vasconcelos declared.

In his view, "there is a clear orientation (from the government) for promptly issuing civil identity documents to seekers and refugees as well as issuing the work papers for better inserting (them) in the Brazilian labor market."

Brazil hosts currently 8,530 refugees, 2,097 Syrians. "It's the largest population of recognized refugees in the country. It is a small number compared with the amount of Syrian refugees in the world, surpassing 4 million. But Brazil has launched the pioneering initiative to create a seeker reception mechanism to Syrian refugees," reported Vasconcelos.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta