BRASILIA – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) praised Brazil for its strong leadership on migration during an official visit by IOM chief of staff, Mohammed Abdiker. During the visit, he met with senior officials and visited migrant reception centres and integration projects across the country, seeing firsthand how Brazil supports migrants and helps them settle into their new communities.
“Brazil is showing that migration policies rooted in dignity and respect really work,” said Mohammed Abdiker. “By investing in strong public systems, the country is helping migrants and returnees find protection, access essential services, and build new lives.”
During the visit, IOM’s delegation went to Boa Vista and Pacaraima to see Operation Welcome, a globally recognised government-led effort that unites authorities, the Armed Forces, the UN, and civil society to support refugees and migrants.
Through Operation Welcome, IOM helps with reception, documents, protection, relocation, and integration. Since 2018, this work has helped over 600,000 Venezuelan migrants get legal status and supported more than 150,000 people to settle into communities across Brazil. The country’s continued support is especially important as international humanitarian funding decreases.
In Brasília, talks also looked at how Brazil supports people returning home. IOM chief of staff praised the Aqui é Brasil Program, a government initiative supported by IOM that helps Brazilians upon arrival in a safe and dignified way. The programme connects arrival support with social services, documents, access to public services, and help to rebuild their lives.
The visit highlighted Brazil’s strong investment in social protection, including FORSUAS, a key programme supporting people affected by emergencies with IOM’s technical assistance. Meetings with senior government officials reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Brazil and IOM, focusing on migration policies, returns, and international cooperation.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together on practical and inclusive migration solutions that benefit migrants and communities.
