Brazil granted 74 visas and 27 humanitarian residence permits to Ukrainians between March 3 and 31, according to official data released by the Brazilian government this Monday (4/11).

According to the UN (United Nations), more than 10 million Ukrainians have had to leave their homes since the start of the Russian invasion at the end of February. About 4.5 million of this total left the country, and most of them went to other European countries.

Has the issuance of visa and humanitarian residence permits been facilitated in Brazil since the joint decree between the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) took effect on March 3? It was announced days ago by President Jair Bolsonaro (PL).

“Ukrainians are open to Brazil with a humanitarian passport. They will be very welcome. Even our relatives, we have a large number of Ukrainian relatives in Paraná. They have relatives there, the way is open if they want to bring them here.” “He said on February 28.

The data also show that four refugees were recognized in 2022? 37 asylum processes are still ongoing.

According to the text of the decree, a humanitarian visa can be requested abroad and is valid for 180 days.

After entering national territory, the document holder must go to the Federal Police (PF) and request the National Immigration Registration Card (CRNM) within 90 days. There you can also obtain a residence permit valid for two years for the acceptance of humanitarian aid.

The immigrant can work and apply for permanent residence in Brazil within 90 days before the expiry of the temporary residence period.

The regulation is valid until 31 August and states that “it does not exclude the possibility of other measures that may be taken by the Brazilian State to protect Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons residing in Ukraine.”

Asylum is the international protection afforded to persons who have been persecuted in their country of origin because of race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion. While the asylum process is in progress, the applicant may obtain a Temporary National Immigration Registration Document for identification in Brazil for consideration by the National Committee for Refugees (Conare).

The ‘Ukraine Migration Bulletin’ was prepared by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security based on data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Police and the General Coordination of the National Committee for Refugees (Conare).

Ukrainians in Brazil

According to the government’s balance sheet, between January 2010 and December 2021, more than 3,300 Ukrainian residents registered in Brazil. Most ? almost 2.3 thousand? It was held in the Southeast region, which is the main destination for immigrants.

Besides Poles, Ukrainians make up the largest contingent of Slavic immigrants in the country.

During this period (January 2010 and December 2021) the majority of arrivals in Brazil were male (83% of the total) and aged 25 to 39 (46%). Women made up 17% of the total quota, and most were between the ages of 25-39.

There were no immigrants over the age of 65 when they entered the country, and only 2% were younger than 14.

Between 2010 and 2021, the main way for Ukrainians to enter Brazil was by sea. The peak of the migration flow occurred in 2019, when 22,201 Ukrainians entered the country and 21,189 left the country.

According to the balance sheet, in the first quarter of 2022, monthly average immigrant inflows were 1,685 people and exits were 1,531 people.

More than 60% of entry movements this year are for crew members and 20% are for visitors who do not need a visa to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

Migration movement, including visitors and temporary ones, is documented by the International Traffic System.

The main forms of assistance cited by migrants were working as a seafarer (ship, platform or vessels), 67% of the total, family reunification (12%), working with transfer providing technical assistance and technology transfer (6%) and other forms of assistance (15%). ).

The term Amparo is used, according to Brazilian legislation, to classify the reason explained by the immigrant when he applied for residence.

Regarding refugees, 15 of the 74 requests received during this period between January 2010 and December 2021 were accepted.

The following documents are required to apply for a temporary visa:

• valid travel document;

• completed visa application form;

• Evidence of means of transport entering Brazilian territory;

• A criminal record certificate issued by Ukraine or, if not obtained, a declaration having the force of law that there is no criminal record in any country.

Documents for residence permit are:

• travel document, even if the expiry date has passed;

• birth or marriage certificate or consular certificate if lineage is not specified;

• A statement under the penalty of law that there is no criminal record in Brazil or abroad in the last five years prior to the date of application for a residence permit.