About Brazil Introduces New Methods for Afghans to Apply for Humanitarian Visas
The Brazilian government has made a major policy change with the introduction of Ordinance No. 49, which governs the application procedure for humanitarian visas for Afghan people. This order supersedes all previous regulations and processes pertaining to such visa applications, as per the Brazilian Embassy in Tehran. It became effective on December 30, 2024.
The Brazilian government has chosen some humanitarian organizations as official conduits for all applications under the new structure. Organizations like this handle the application process and also provide recipients in Afghanistan with necessities like food, housing, job training, and medical care.
This change, and Why?
This policy change was made in response to recent humanitarian crises, according to the Brazilian Embassy in Tehran. Afghan migrants who had arrived in Brazil in the preceding months had to endure difficult circumstances, such as sleeping in makeshift camps outside airports and often being abandoned without shelter or aid. The goal of the new method is to make sure people are safe and treated with dignity by working with support groups ahead of time.
Humanitarian Organizations with Official Approval (as of May 2025)
The processing of humanitarian visa applications from Afghans is now being handled by two Brazilian institutions:
For the purpose of processing humanitarian visa applications from Afghans, two Brazilian organizations have been authorized:
- first organization is PANAHGAH,
- go to the website: https://panahgah.org .
- Email Address: [email protected]
- WhatsApp and call number: +55 11 917714666.
- The second organization is Estou Refugiado:
- The email address for the Instituto Estou Refugiado is [email protected] , and their website is http://www.estourefugiado.org.br .
- WhatsApp and call number: +55 11 97081-4907
As more institutions finish qualifying with Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security, their names will be added to this list.
The following link provides updates on newly qualified organizations: https://www.gov.br/mj/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/edital-seleciona-organizacoes-da-sociedade-civil-interessadas-em-acolher-afegaos Interested applicants should monitor these developments.
The Implications for Afghan Candidates
Approved humanitarian groups are the first port of call for all new applicants. Â All visa applications received under the previous norm by the October 1, 2023 deadline have already been thoroughly evaluated, according to the Brazilian Embassy.
Under the new procedure, humanitarian visa eligibility cannot be justified by personal difficulties like domestic violence, health problems, or financial difficulty.
 Requirements for Applicants to the Embassy:
The word from the Embassy is quite clear: unless you have received an official invitation, you are not allowed to enter or wait outside the Embassy grounds. A diplomatic police team has been posted at the Embassy gates to ensure safety and prevent mass crowds.
For comprehensive and current information, Afghan individuals should visit the Embassy’s Frequently Asked Questions page and the websites of the authorized humanitarian organizations before trying to apply.
A Final Remark:
The Brazilian government is committed to provide organized, long-term, and compassionate assistance to Afghan refugees, as this new step shows. But today, in order to get a humanitarian visa, you have to go through a more formal process and work with approved groups.
