Brazilian Association of Migration and International Mobility Specialists Highlights Measures to Position Brazil Among the World's Most Attractive Destinations for Migrants

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According to a survey conducted by Gallup, nearly 900 million people worldwide currently express a desire to migrate to another country. This aspiration reached its highest level during the second year of the pandemic, in 2021. The Brazilian Association of Migration and International Mobility Specialists (ABEMMI) points to two key measures that could help position Brazil among the preferred destinations for migrants.

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The first measure is to widely promote, internationally, the legal pathways available in Brazil to welcome everyone from foreign investors to digital nomads, while also providing humanitarian protection for refugees. The second is to prioritize the modernization and alignment of migration, tax, and social security regulations in order to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness.

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With the objective of discussing improvements for the mobility sector in Brazil, ABEMMI held the VIII ABEMMI Summit 2023 on May 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event, free of charge for members, authorities, and the press, addressed some of the most current and relevant topics, including national migration policies, the importance of equity, social inclusion, and diversity, as well as the effects of the new global economic landscape, geopolitics, and their impacts on foreign investment and immigration.

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According to Marta Mitico, President of ABEMMI, the Brazilian government informed the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations (UN) of its decision to rejoin the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2018. As a result, xenophobia emerged as another important topic of discussion during the event.

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Mitico emphasized that cultural exchange remains one of the main motivations for migration. However, prejudice and xenophobia are still recurrent, whether regarding migrants entering Brazil or Brazilians moving abroad.

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She stated:

"It is essential that authorities and civil society continue working together to foster a welcoming spirit and build a truly equal, diverse, and plural society. In Brazil, xenophobia is considered a crime when it takes the form of aggression, as established by Law No. 7,716 of January 1989. Verbal offenses directed at immigrants may also constitute criminal insult. It is important that these legal provisions be widely publicized so that no act of aggression goes unpunished. Several studies also indicate that South Africa, Australia, and Ireland are currently among the countries most receptive to Brazilians, while the United States, Canada, and Portugal remain the most sought-after destinations for Brazilians."

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These discussions also lead to reflections on Brazil's decision to once again require visas from tourists from the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia, based on the principle of reciprocity, a longstanding cornerstone of international diplomacy. According to Mitico, however, economic considerations also play a crucial role. Balancing diplomatic principles that express national sovereignty with economic needs represents one of the challenges of our time, in which opening or closing borders continues to be a powerful instrument for health, social security, and economic protection.

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The VIII ABEMMI Summit 2023 featured an open conversation on inclusion and a series of panel discussions on:

• Digital Transformation and the Challenges of Humanizing Remote Work

• Geopolitics and Its Impact on Foreign Investment and Migration

• National Migration Policy
   

More than one thousand participants were expected to attend the event.

The VIII ABEMMI Summit provided a positive outlook for the future of the sector, bringing together authorities, public institutions, and the media to promote reflections and discussions aimed at benefiting the entire Brazilian Global Mobility community.

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Event Information

Date: May 18, 2023

Venue: AMCHAM Business Center
1431 Rua da Paz, Chácara Santo Antônio
São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Time: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

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Program

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01 | Social

Open Conversation on Inclusion

Andrea Schwarz

The world is diverse and plural, yet differences are not always embraced. Too often, what is perceived as different is excluded, resulting in segregation and prejudice. How can we change this reality? What immediate actions can society take to foster inclusion and a welcoming environment?

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02 | Trends

Digital Transformation and the Challenges of Humanizing Remote Work

As demand for technological tools that enable high-quality and agile services grows, alongside the irreversible trend toward an increasingly nomadic, remote, and digital workforce, it becomes essential to rethink the importance of human relationships in the new global landscape.

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03 | Economy

Geopolitics and Its Impact on Foreign Investment and Immigration

How do the new global scenario, the reopening of borders, and a war in Europe that has lasted for more than a year affect the profile of foreign investors and migrants in Brazil? Join the discussion on the impacts shaping the international landscape.

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04 | Government

Perspectives on National Migration Policy

Brazil's Migration Law is considered modern, inclusive, and progressive. But what about Brazil's broader migration framework and reality? Are they equally modern and inclusive? This panel proposed reflections and perspectives on the future of migration governance.