World

Brazil eases immigration rules

by Luiz Castro | October 15, 2008 at 03:48 pm | 162 views | 5 comments | 24 recommendations

Brazil is opening its frontiers to receive immigrants from neighboring countries. Few years ago Brazil has promoted an amnesty for all illegal immigrants; almost 100 thousand illegal workers were legalized at that time.

Historically Brazil has received several waves of immigrants, most from Italy, Germany, Japan, Poland, Ukraine and recently South Korea. Nowadays a great number of Bolivians and Paraguayans are seeking or working in Brazil.

Brazil is making it easier for workers from other South American nations to enter the country to find jobs.

The government says that people from neighboring countries will now only need a work contract to get a visa.

Before, there were education and work experience requirements.
Brazil’s move to ease restrictions comes as other areas — notably the European Union — try to find ways to tighten restrict immigration.
Paulo Sergio de Almeida, who helps coordinate immigration within the labor department, says the move will prevent workers from illegally entering Brazil and being exploited by businesses because of their status.