Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Brazil has announced a landmark initiative to provide financial aid, housing, and integration support to vulnerable Afghans fleeing conflict and instability. Starting in March 2024, the program, a collaboration between Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security and the international humanitarian NGO Panahgah, will offer comprehensive assistance to up to 500 Afghans annually. Beneficiaries will receive financial support for housing and basic expenses, Brazilian identification documents, and access to essential public services such as healthcare, education, and social work.
The initiative is part of Brazil’s community sponsorship program, which partners with NGOs to support refugees and migrants. Panahgah, along with two Brazilian organizations—the Estou Refugiado Institute and the Missão de Apoio à Igreja Sofredora (Mais)—will select eligible individuals and facilitate their integration into Brazilian society. Panahgah has already submitted reports on 60 potential beneficiaries, who will undergo legal checks by the Federal Police before receiving humanitarian visas.
Upon arrival, Afghans will spend an adaptation period at Panahgah’s headquarters before being relocated to Brazilian cities where the NGO has partnerships with local entities. This phased approach aims to ensure a smoother transition and better integration into communities.
The program comes in response to a surge in Afghan refugees seeking asylum in Brazil since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Official figures show that in 2024 alone, Brazil granted 13,632 refugee recognitions, with Afghans being the second-largest group (283 applications) after Venezuelans (12,726 permits). The crisis has been particularly visible at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport, where dozens of newly arrived Afghans have camped for weeks, hoping to receive humanitarian assistance.
National Secretary of Justice Jean Keiji Uema emphasized that the initiative complements traditional refugee pathways and reflects Brazil’s commitment to being a “welcoming country.” He stated, “This initiative is not just about providing immediate aid but about building a viable alternative for refugees and immigrants to rebuild their lives with dignity.”
As Brazil prepares to launch this ambitious program, the international community will be watching closely. The initiative not only addresses the urgent needs of vulnerable Afghans but also sets a precedent for other nations grappling with the global refugee crisis. For Afghans fleeing conflict and instability, Brazil’s program offers a beacon of hope and a chance for a new beginning.
