Brazil marks World Refugee Day by pledging faster case-processing and wider integration support
Brazil marks World Refugee Day by expanding recognition and integration policies
‘Timber Shield’ bust: Receita Federal intercepts record haul of liquid cocaine hidden in Bolivian timber
Latest News
Brazil posts record May with 486,000 international arrivals
Foreign tourist arrivals reached 486 k in May—up 5.4 % year-on-year and the best May on record—pushing 2026 arrivals close to last year’s high despite currency appreciation. Growth has been fuelled by new air routes and strong demand from Argentina, China and Colombia. Companies should anticipate busier airports, higher travel costs and an upcoming visa-policy debate.
Cubans overtake Venezuelans as largest asylum-applicant group in Brazil
New OBMigra figures show Cuban citizens filed 55 % of Brazil’s asylum requests in 2025, overtaking Venezuelans for the first time. The demographic shift—driven by Cuba’s economic crisis—will reshape local refugee-labour markets and could strain reception services in the North if processing capacity is not expanded.
Bahia records 11.8 % jump in foreign visitors, beating national average
Bahia welcomed more than 102,000 foreign tourists in the first five months of 2026, up 11.8 % and above the national average. Expanded air links and cruise calls are driving demand, but staffing and infrastructure pressures mean companies should plan early for peak-season travel and comply with new safety regulations.
Caldas Novas airport adds 21 extra flights as school-holiday demand surges 66 %
Caldas Novas airport in Goiás will see 27,600 passengers this holiday season after airlines scheduled 21 additional flights—66 % more traffic than last year. The surge improves domestic connectivity to Brazil’s leading thermal-spa destination but could create capacity crunches on neighbouring business routes and at ground-transport providers.
Caldas Novas airport projects 27,600 passengers with new LATAM and seasonal flights
Caldas Novas airport will handle almost 28,000 passengers this holiday season—thanks to extra Azul charters and a new daily LATAM link to São Paulo—representing 66 % growth. The expanded connectivity benefits corporate retreats and regional business travel but may strain limited airport infrastructure and hotel availability.
108 Cuban migrants rescued at Brazil–Guyana border; five smugglers arrested
Brazilian police rescued 108 Cuban migrants in Roraima on 8 June, arresting five smugglers. The case highlights growing irregular flows from the Caribbean and underscores the compliance and security risks for firms operating near northern border corridors.
Brazil triples e-visa validity for EU citizens starting 1 July
From 1 July 2026, EU nationals will receive three-year, multiple-entry Brazilian e-Visas at the same cost and processing time as today’s one-year permits. The move cuts red tape for repeat business travellers and could inject R$4 billion a year into Brazil’s visitor economy.
Federal Police dismantle human-trafficking ring exploiting Colombian workers in Rio
Brazil’s Federal Police raided properties in Rio state on 21 May, freeing Colombian migrants held in forced-labour conditions and arresting alleged traffickers. The case is a warning for hospitality and event firms to tighten supply-chain due-diligence ahead of major gatherings.
New decree digitises Brazil’s residency process, boosts pathways for investors and nomads
Guidance released on 21 May explains how Decreto 12.657 moves most Brazilian residency applications online, eases digital-nomad and family pathways, but tightens investor-visa rules. Corporates can expect faster approvals but must adapt workflows to the new digital portal.