Brazil’s new humanitarian visa process for Afghans

Brazil humanitarian visa

In a major shift in immigration policy, the Brazilian government has enacted a new set of regulations—Ordinance No. 49—focused on the humanitarian visa process for Afghan citizens. According to the Brazilian Embassy in Tehran, this new rule officially took effect on December 30, 2024, and overrides all previous policies related to Afghan humanitarian visa applications. Under this updated directive, Afghan nationals seeking humanitarian entry to Brazil must now apply exclusively through approved humanitarian organizations. These designated institutions, selected by the Brazilian government, are tasked not only with managing the visa applications but also with offering critical services to Afghan applicants. These services include temporary housing, food assistance, job placement support, and access to healthcare.

The new system aims to streamline the visa process and ensure that Afghan refugees and displaced persons receive coordinated and reliable support upon their arrival in Brazil.

Why have these changes come about?

The Brazilian Embassy in Tehran stated that the introduction of Ordinance No. 49 is a direct response to recent humanitarian emergencies involving Afghan migrants. In the months leading up to this decision, many Afghans who reached Brazil faced severe hardships, including living in temporary camps near airports without access to basic needs like shelter, food, or medical care. The new policy aims to address these issues by partnering with trusted humanitarian organizations in advance, ensuring that Afghan applicants are welcomed into a structured support system that prioritizes safety, dignity, and proper care from the very beginning of their arrival.

Officially Recognized Humanitarian Organizations (as of May 2025)


Organization NameWebsiteEmailWhatsApp / PhoneRole
PANAHGAHpanahgah.orgContato@panahgah.org+55 11 91771-4666Visa processing & support services
Estou Refugiadoestourefugiado.org.brcontato@estourefugiado.org.br+55 11 97081-4907Visa processing & support services

The Implications for Afghan Candidates

If you’re applying now, your first step must be to contact one of the approved humanitarian organizations. These groups are the only way to apply for a humanitarian visa to Brazil under the new rules. The Brazilian Embassy has confirmed that all visa requests sent under the old system, before the deadline of October 1, 2023, have already been reviewed and processed. It’s also important to know that under the new policy, personal challenges like family issues, health problems, or financial struggles are no longer enough on their own to qualify for a humanitarian visa. Your situation must meet the new official requirements set by the Brazilian government.


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