THE TYPES OF VISAS ISSUED BY BRAZIL AND THE LEGAL STATUS OF IMMIGRANTS TODAY

Abstract

The Brazilian Migration Law (Law No. 13,445/2017) represented a milestone in the country's migration policy, replacing the former Foreigner Statute (Law No. 6,815/1980) and inaugurating a more humanitarian, inclusive approach that was aligned with constitutional principles and international human rights treaties. This legislation consolidated a paradigm for protecting migrants' rights, promoting equal treatment between Brazilians and foreigners and ensuring them access to public services, such as health, education, and social assistance. By breaking with the security-based perspective of the past, the law valued migrants as subjects of rights, recognizing their contribution to the socioeconomic and cultural development of Brazil. This article analyzes the Migration Law from a human rights perspective and assesses the effectiveness of the different types of visas granted by the Brazilian government in welcoming migrants. The research highlights the importance of the legislation as an instrument for the protection and integration of migrants, while discussing the practical and institutional challenges for its full implementation. Through a normative and socio-legal analysis, it is concluded that, although the Migration Law represents a significant advance, its application requires greater political articulation, resources and awareness of society about the role of immigrants in the national context.