Brazil grants permanent resident visa to Haitians
Justice Minister José Eduardo Cardozo and Labor, Employment and Social Security Minister Miguel Rossetto signed a joint act to recognize, approve, and grant permanent resident visa to Haitian immigrants living in Brazil.
Labor, Employment and Social Security Minister Miguel Rossetto and Justice Minister José Eduardo Cardozo signed today (Nov. 11) a joint act to recognize, approve, and grant permanent resident visa to Haitian immigrants living in Brazil. The visa will benefit 43,800 Haitian immigrants. The decision applies to those who enter the country since 2010 crossing the land border in Acre state, and who are not considered refugees.
Cardozo pointed out that the government is not granting Brazilian citizenship to Haitians, but permanent resident visa issued to foreigners. According to the minister, the permanent resident visa asserts more rights than the temporary visa, so that Haitians can permanently settle and reside in the country enjoying all rights that foreigners have in Brazil. "They now have new job opportunities, are eligible for social inclusion and to participate in social programs. It is a very clear recognition that Brazil is a country that welcomes immigrants, respects rights and is not fed with prejudice," said Cardozo.
"Our nationality is alive and is permanently built. It allows us to accept other people and their differences. Our differences do not separate us, but bring us together. It is exactly by exchanging experiences and cultures that we can grow and improve [ourselves]," stated Minister Miguel Rossetto.
Translated by Amarílis Anchieta
Fonte: Brazil grants permanent resident visa to Haitians
