The government of Brazil allows those Afghans who do not have immunity in Afghanistan to seek refuge in this country. Brazil made this decision based on Decree No. 24 dated September 3, 2021 of the leadership of this country, considering humanitarian values ​​and due to the political situation in Afghanistan, during which humanitarian visas are issued to Afghan nationals.

In this article, information is provided regarding the procedures for issuing humanitarian visas and traveling to Brazil to Afghans who intend to seek asylum in this country.

Who is eligible?

People whose life, freedom and security are in danger due to the political situation in Afghanistan and cannot return to their country are eligible to receive a Brazilian humanitarian visa. In particular, Brazil’s humanitarian visa is for people who are under serious threat due to political events after August 15, 2021 in Afghanistan.

Apply for a visa

Applicants need to go to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of this country and complete the visa application online and upload all the documents required for the visa application. When filling out the application form, the date and time of the interview with the Brazilian embassy is chosen by the applicant. After completing all the steps of the form, the person will receive a request code, which can be used in the future to access the form, modify, download and follow up on the request. The applicant prints the form, pastes his photo on it, signs the form and seals the final version. It is necessary to keep both the scanned and printed copies of the form with him.

Required documents

The documents required to complete the humanitarian visa application are the registered files of ID card, passport, sample signature, photo and document of non-commitment of crime. Also, applicants must prepare a plane ticket to travel to Brazil and a document (for example, a bank account status report) proving their financial ability to live in Brazil and present them to the officials at the relevant embassy on the day of the interview. 

Submit an application for a visa

The asylum seeker goes to his personal e-mail page and enters the e-mail address of the relevant political representative in the sent address section; In the subject section of the email, enter the name, surname and request for an interview; In the text of the email, write the name, surname, father’s name, date of birth and your intention to receive a humanitarian visa, and then attach the completed form and send the email.

Brazil’s humanitarian visa is issued in which countries?

Currently, humanitarian visas are issued only in the political missions of Brazil in the countries of Pakistan, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, and Russia. The websites of the political missions of Brazil in these and other countries can  be accessed in this link .

interview

Applicants should go to the relevant Brazilian embassy on a certain date and time and present the printed forms, passport and proof of financial ability to the officials. During this interview, people explain to the interviewers about their life, education, work experiences and the type of threat. Humanitarian visa applicants also provide answers to some of the officials’ questions and all answers and explanations are recorded in writing. At the end of the interview, the applicants are asked to wait for a while to make a decision and receive an answer from the embassy.

Request follow up

Applicants can refer to this  link  and enter the application code, name and date of birth to get information about the progress of their application. If a visa has been issued to the applicants, they will be informed about it on this online page.

Receive a humanitarian visa

As soon as the visa is issued, people will be notified by email and phone. Then, applicants can get their visa by visiting the embassy again. After the humanitarian visa is issued, the visa holder has a maximum of 180 days to enter Brazil.

What to do after arriving in Brazil?

Most international flights arrive in Brazil through Guarlhos International Airport, located in the city of Sao Paulo. When you arrive in Brazil, if you don’t have a place to stay, there are options for temporary shelter from public government networks and civil society organizations. For information and assistance at the Guarulios International Airport, you can visit the Office of Humanitarian Assistance with Refugees and Immigrants. This office provides free assistance to refugees and provides guidance and referrals to social networks and public shelters. There is a human rights office for refugees at Guarulios airport that provides people with more information. But in general, there are few options for family shelters, so it is best for asylum seekers to have contact with a Brazilian resident in advance to support them upon arrival.

Cost

There is no cost to receive a humanitarian visa, but Afghan applicants should know that they are responsible for all the costs of the plane ticket, travel to Brazil, house rent, food preparation and other costs of staying in this country.

Temporary establishment

People who benefit from the humanitarian visa of Brazil and enter this country, have the right to apply for the recognition of refugee status or temporary residence for the purpose of humanitarian admission.

Refugee again

Once people choose to reside in Brazil, there is no plan to relocate them from the country to other countries. Also, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) does not provide resettlement services for refugees who are in Brazil to other countries. However, individuals themselves can apply for asylum from Brazil to other countries and refer to the political representatives of other countries if needed.

Help and advice

You can read the announcement of the Brazilian government regarding the issuance of humanitarian visas to Afghans in this link . Specific information regarding the Brazilian humanitarian visa is also available for reading on the official website of the UNHCR or the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It can be recalled that the humanitarian aid office for refugees and immigrants is located in the second terminal – B Asa Mezanino – office number 116 and its contact number is 00551124454719 and its email address is paaguarulhos@gmail.com .