The same Compliance Watch bulletin emphasises that Brazil’s long-anticipated overhaul of its humanitarian-visa policy is now live. As of 1 January 2026, Inter-ministerial Ordinance 14/2025 revokes the ad-hoc programmes that previously offered dedicated visa channels to Afghans, Haitians, Ukrainians and other nationalities. In their place stands a single framework empowering the ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs to publish (and update) an eligibility list by executive decree.
While the policy move received little media fanfare, NGOs say it temporarily suspends new visa issuance because no eligible nationalities have yet been formally designated. Applicants already holding approved authorisations can still enter and register, but fresh filings are on hold.
![Country-specific humanitarian visas paused as Brazil shifts to single umbrella regime]()
Multinationals running large CSR or project teams in regions such as Haiti and Afghanistan should prepare contingency plans for staff evacuations or temporary relocation via third countries. Immigration counsel recommend collecting evidence of individual vulnerability (e.g., medical needs, imminent threats) so cases can be slotted into Brazil’s discretionary ‘humanitarian residence permit’ once criteria are published.
Government sources tell VisaHQ that a preliminary list—expected in February—will likely prioritise nationals from Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine, reflecting the latest geopolitical crises. Until then, humanitarian NGOs must rely on tourist or student visas, which do not authorize work or access to federal resettlement funds.
Corporate mobility managers should brief project leaders that short-notice deployments of local staff out of conflict zones to Brazil may not be possible in the coming weeks.
While the policy move received little media fanfare, NGOs say it temporarily suspends new visa issuance because no eligible nationalities have yet been formally designated. Applicants already holding approved authorisations can still enter and register, but fresh filings are on hold.
Multinationals running large CSR or project teams in regions such as Haiti and Afghanistan should prepare contingency plans for staff evacuations or temporary relocation via third countries. Immigration counsel recommend collecting evidence of individual vulnerability (e.g., medical needs, imminent threats) so cases can be slotted into Brazil’s discretionary ‘humanitarian residence permit’ once criteria are published.
Government sources tell VisaHQ that a preliminary list—expected in February—will likely prioritise nationals from Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine, reflecting the latest geopolitical crises. Until then, humanitarian NGOs must rely on tourist or student visas, which do not authorize work or access to federal resettlement funds.
Corporate mobility managers should brief project leaders that short-notice deployments of local staff out of conflict zones to Brazil may not be possible in the coming weeks.
