Brazilian Ambassador: Bureaucracy is an obstacle to integration

The Brazilian ambassador in Lisbon believes that the "delay in regularizing migration" is the biggest obstacle to the integration of Brazilians and warned that the planned legal changes will accentuate the differences between the two countries.

“Many Brazilians face delays and other practical difficulties in obtaining their residence permits and the right to family reunification, for example, even if they have submitted their applications in compliance and are up to date with their obligations” and, “until they regularize their situation, these people face obstacles to their effective integration in Portugal,” said Ambassador Raimundo Carreiro Silva in a written interview with Lusa.

In the interview, the diplomat compared the two countries' immigration laws and admitted that xenophobic rhetoric also resonates in Portugal.

"The Brazilian embassy and consulates-general have received information about cases of xenophobia and other types of discrimination against Brazilians" and the guidance given is that "these occurrences should be promptly reported to the competent Portuguese authorities, so that they can take the appropriate legal measures."

Furthermore, "we have reiterated our willingness to intensify joint actions with Portugal to promote racial equality and the fight against racism, xenophobia, and discrimination in all their forms," ​​he explained.

“Unfortunately, the growth of anti-immigrant rhetoric is a trend seen in Europe and other parts of the world,” but the “Brazilian community in Portugal is, in general, well integrated,” a situation contributed to by the “linguistic and cultural proximity” and the “intense social and family ties existing” between the two countries.

Portugal "has a significant diaspora, including in Brazil," said the diplomat, expressing his conviction that "a significant portion of Portuguese society is aware of how important it is to ensure the rights of their compatriots living abroad and promote their effective integration," he added.

Regarding the impact of the more restrictive policy in Portugal and the impact on reciprocal relations between the two States, Raimundo Carreiro Silva highlighted that there has been a “constructive dialogue with the Portuguese government”, which included, “more recently”, a “video conference between authorities responsible for consular matters in both countries” and a meeting is scheduled in Lisbon of the Bilateral Subcommittee on Consular Affairs and Movement of Persons, later this month.

"For my part, I am making personal contacts with Portuguese authorities here in Lisbon to try to raise their awareness of the Brazilian perspective, in particular, regarding the need to observe reciprocity of treatment, based on the 1988 Brazilian Constitution and the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Consultation."

Regarding the discussion in the Portuguese Parliament of laws on foreigners and nationality, with even more restrictive measures, the ambassador stressed that this is "an internal matter and a matter of sovereignty for the Portuguese government."

However, he argued that some “aspects of the diplomas under discussion increase the asymmetries between the legislation of Brazil and Portugal, especially in terms of residence permits, family reunification and acquisition of nationality”.

"In the case of obtaining residency, Portuguese citizens can initially enter Brazil as visitors, without needing a visa for short stays, and, once in Brazil, apply for a residency permit from the Federal Police within 90 days," the diplomat compared.

Regarding family reunification, in Brazil there is no “minimum period of residence” to request this procedure, while “proposed changes to Portuguese legislation would result in waits potentially exceeding three years, which could lead to the separation of family members for a prolonged period.”

Regarding nationality, Brazil is also much more permissive in the “naturalization of Portuguese citizens, requiring only one year of legal residence and moral suitability to obtain Brazilian nationality.”

In Portugal, a “minimum legal residency of five years” is currently required and the proposed changes provide for an increase to seven years for Portuguese-speaking citizens.

This month, the Lisbon consulate issued a document to the Brazilian immigrant community, the largest in the country, with a series of recommendations following the launch of the new National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF).

"Since there is still no clarity regarding the possibility of approaching citizens on public roads for immigration checks, the Consulate General considered it important to remember that Portuguese law requires everyone to carry an identity document in public places, as well as recommending the carrying of documentation demonstrating the migratory link with Portugal," explained Carreiro Silva.

"The Brazilian community is not only the largest among foreign residents in Portugal, but it is also very diverse, present in all regions and social segments," the diplomat said, highlighting, in particular, its contribution to "the production of scientific and academic knowledge."

"Recently, the Embassy conducted a mapping of the Brazilian scientific diaspora in this country, which allowed us to better understand the reality and activities of Brazilian researchers and academics, especially Brazilian women scientists, who constitute a significant portion of this diaspora," he added.