Brasília – The international economic crisis, coupled with issues specific to some countries, such as the earthquake followed by a tsunami in Japan in 2011, has caused 300,000 to 400,000 Brazilian citizens who were living overseas to return to the country. The figures were supplied by the Ministry of External Relations (Itamaraty) and concern the period from 2007 to 2012. It is estimated that approximately 2.5 million Brazilians are living out of the country.
Most returning Brazilians have come from Japan, Spain, Portugal, France, the United States, and Paraguay. However, the Foreign Office informed that the figures are based on estimates because many expatriates are illegal, thus obtaining accurate information is difficult. According to the Office, the sole exception is Japan, because all immigrants are registered with the Japanese government.
The director of the Department for Consular Affairs and Expatriate Brazilians, Luiza Lopes da Silva, said this Wednesday (27th) that the government is concerned with providing the conditions needed for all returning expatriates to be able to reinsert themselves in society and the labour market.
“The problem does not end the minute the immigrant returns. It is not easy, because the paths they can take [in order to readapt to life in Brazil] are not publicized. For a few years now, we have been putting on an effort to divulge that information in foreign countries. We are making the data public,” said Luiza Lopes.
This Wednesday, the government launched Portal do Retorno (Return Portal), the first website to gather data on programs and services targeted at expatriate Brazilians who plan on returning to the country. It will include information on financing for real estate purchases from the Brazilian Savings Bank, labour-time tracking in foreign countries for retirement purposes, training courses, psychological attention and others. The portal is easily navigated with links to the various service provider organizations.
On the left site of the page, there are sections containing instructions regarding the documents that must be obtained prior to leaving the country (such as passport and certificate of residence), actions that must be taken (electoral status and IDs) and tips on how to carry baggage and furniture.
The portal also provides guidance on the labour market, instructions on setting up a business in Brazil, investment, and Welfare contributions, as well as tips on psychological and healthcare assistance and support services, including addresses in different states of Brazil.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum