Refugees right to work: the characteristics of Brazilian migration policies from the end of World War II to 2019

Abstract

This article aims to understand the characteristics of migration policies targeted at refugees, especially concerning the right to work, from the end of World War II to 2019. Migration policy can be defined as the rights and obligations of migrants, including the guarantees and regulations immigrants have when residing in a foreign country. Labor shortages, national security, international treaties, and humanitarian issues are often recurring concerns in migration policy management. This study relied on scientific, journalistic and institutional (legislative) sources available in digital media. Documentary data analysis focusing on themes regarding migration policy, refugees, and refugee employment were used. As a result, it has been concluded that Brazil had inherited conservative, nationalist, and racist policies in the scope of migration. Furthermore, regardless of the progress made during the democratic period, there is still room for improvement in refugee assistance following its legalization in the country. The right to work and the documentation required to work legally are safeguarded to immigrants recognized as refugees. It also includes groups who have acquired the right to validate their qualifications. Nonetheless, the policy has failed to ensure access to employment and protect these groups from performing illegal work without labor rights, which, in turn, highlights the need for public policies that may intervene in this regard. In conclusion, we show the relevance of migration policies to the legal recognition of refugees’ rights, especially concerning their right to work.

Refugiados e o acesso ao emprego no Brasil: implicações na saúde e sociabilidade

“…É preciso combater qualquer tipo de preconceito relacionado à população refugiada, com ênfase nas questões de identidade de gênero, raça e idade (29) . No mercado de trabalho, torna-se fundamental valorizar as competências individuais, a formação prévia e o interesse pelo aprendizado, garantindo o reconhecimento legal dos direitos dos refugiados, especialmente no que tange ao seu direito ao trabalho (30) .…”