The International Organization for Migration praised Brazil’s leadership on migration during an official visit by IOM Chief of Staff Mohammed Abdiker, who met with senior government officials and visited migrant reception centres and integration projects across the country. The visit offered firsthand insight into how Brazil supports migrants and assists them in settling into new communities through policies centred on dignity, protection, and access to essential services.
Mohammed Abdiker highlighted Brazil’s people-centred approach to migration, noting that investments in strong public systems are helping migrants and returnees access protection, essential services, and long-term opportunities to rebuild their lives. He emphasized that policies grounded in respect and inclusion are proving effective in delivering meaningful outcomes for both migrants and host communities.
The IOM delegation visited Boa Vista and Pacaraima to observe Operation Welcome, a government-led initiative that brings together national authorities, the Armed Forces, the United Nations, and civil society to support refugees and migrants. Through this coordinated effort, migrants receive assistance with reception, documentation, protection, relocation, and integration, demonstrating a comprehensive response to large-scale displacement.
Since 2018, Operation Welcome has supported more than 600,000 Venezuelan migrants in obtaining legal status and has helped over 150,000 people relocate and integrate into communities across Brazil. Brazil’s continued commitment to this initiative was underscored as particularly significant amid declining international humanitarian funding, highlighting the country’s sustained leadership in migration governance.
Discussions in Brasília also focused on Brazil’s approach to supporting returning nationals, with IOM commending the Aqui é Brasil Program. Supported by IOM, the initiative provides safe and dignified arrival assistance while linking returnees to social services, documentation, public services, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
The visit further emphasized Brazil’s investment in social protection systems, including emergency support mechanisms such as FORSUAS, which benefits from IOM’s technical assistance. Meetings with senior officials reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Brazil and IOM, with both sides reiterating their commitment to advancing inclusive, practical migration solutions that benefit migrants, returnees, and host communities alike.
