Published on: May 6, 2025
By Scholarships.af News Desk

In a significant policy update, the Brazilian government has introduced a new regulation—Ordinance No. 49—governing the application process for humanitarian visas for Afghan nationals. According Brazil Embassy in Tehran, this directive, which came into force on December 30, 2024, replaces all prior rules and procedures concerning such visa applications.

The new framework mandates that all applications must now be submitted through officially recognized humanitarian institutions, selected by the Brazilian authorities. These organizations are responsible not only for processing applications but also for providing essential support such as shelter, food, employment assistance, and healthcare services to Afghan beneficiaries.

Why the Change?

According to the Brazilian Embassy in Tehran, this shift in policy was implemented to address recent humanitarian challenges. In previous months, Afghan refugees arriving in Brazil faced precarious conditions, often left without housing or assistance, and were forced to camp near airports. The new system is designed to ensure safer, more dignified conditions by coordinating with support organizations in advance.

Approved Humanitarian Institutions (as of May 2025):

Currently, two Brazilian institutions have been authorized to handle humanitarian visa applications for Afghans:

More institutions are expected to be added to this list as they complete the qualification process with the Ministry of Justice and Public Security of Brazil. Interested applicants can follow updates on new qualified organizations at:
🔗 https://www.gov.br/mj/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/edital-seleciona-organizacoes-da-sociedade-civil-interessadas-em-acolher-afegaos

What This Means for Afghan Applicants

• All new applications must go through the approved humanitarian organizations.
• The Brazilian Embassy has confirmed that all visa requests submitted under the old regulation by the October 1, 2023 deadline have already been completely reviewed.
• Personal issues such as domestic violence, health problems, or financial hardship are not grounds for humanitarian visa eligibility under the new system.

Embassy Guidelines for Applicants

The Embassy has issued a clear message: do not visit or wait outside the Embassy premises unless you have received a formal invitation. In efforts to maintain safety and avoid large gatherings, a diplomatic police unit is now stationed at the Embassy gates.

Afghan citizens are advised to refer to the Embassy’s FAQ and the websites of the approved humanitarian institutions for detailed, up-to-date information before attempting to apply.

Final Note:

This development underscores the Brazilian government’s intent to provide structured, sustainable, and humane support to Afghan refugees. However, applicants must now follow a more institutionalized pathway and collaborate with recognized organizations to secure their humanitarian visas.

Read Previous details of Brazil humanitarian visa below:

• Brazil Humanitarian Visa for Afghans
• Brazil embassy notice for Afghans in Tehran
• Brazil Policy Change in Humanitarian Visa For Afghanistan
• Brazil Humanitarian Visa for Afghanistan is temporarily suspended

Read the full details Provided by Panahgah Organization below:

How to request for refugee status, Permant residence, driving license and open a bank acount in Brazil

Orientation in Brazil (in Persian)

Labor Rights and duties in brazil

Brazil Humanitarian Visa – Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am an Afghan citizen and would like to apply for a humanitarian visa to Brazil. How should I proceed?

As of December 30, 2024, Brazil implemented a new regulation (Ordinance No. 49) that overrides all previous guidelines related to humanitarian visas for Afghan nationals.

Under this updated policy, applications must now be submitted through recognized Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) based in Brazil, not directly by individuals.

As of February 2025, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice is in the process of identifying and selecting CSOs capable of facilitating the integration and support of Afghan refugees. This is being done through a formal Public Call under Brazil’s National Resettlement Program.

The list of approved organizations will be shared on embassy’s website once the Ministry’s evaluation is complete.

Please note: Direct individual applications to Brazilian embassies are no longer accepted. Only CSOs approved by the Ministry of Justice will be authorized to nominate individuals for humanitarian visas.

2. What steps can I take now if I wish to apply for a humanitarian visa to Brazil?

At this stage, Embassy encourage Afghan citizens to regularly check the Embassy website for updates on the Ministry of Justice’s review of Civil Society Organizations.

Do not visit the Brazilian Embassy without a confirmed appointment. The Consular Section is only assisting individuals who have scheduled appointments in advance. Please also remember that the new humanitarian visa process is entirely managed through designated CSOs.

3. I submitted a humanitarian visa application before the new regulation came into effect. What should I do now?

The Brazilian Embassy has completed its review of all humanitarian visa applications submitted prior to the enforcement of the new regulation. This includes submissions received through emails, letters, posters, or other forms of communication from Afghan citizens.

You can access the final decisions on those applications here.

While the Embassy is committed to offering support, it must adhere strictly to the legal and procedural requirements established by the Brazilian government.

Important reminder: Under Brazilian law, humanitarian visas are not granted for personal or family reasons such as domestic violence, unemployment, medical issues, or other private hardships.

4. What if I want to apply for a different type of visa to Brazil?

If you are interested in exploring other visa options, such as student, work, or family reunification visas, please visit the relevant section of embassy website. There, you will find detailed eligibility requirements and application procedures for each visa category.

For more news and scholarship updates relevant to Afghan students and migrants, stay connected with Scholarships.af.

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