As Brazil and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) marked ten years of partnership, IOM Director General Amy Pope visited the country this week to meet government officials and partners, including the private sector, on expanding opportunities for migrants to work, access services and integrate into communities.
During the visit, DG Pope travelled to the northern border state of Roraima, including the municipalities of Pacaraima and Boa Vista, where she saw first-hand how Operation Welcome (Operação Acolhida) supports migrants and host communities from arrival to integration in cities across the country.
"For ten years, Brazil and IOM have worked together to support migrants with dignity and opportunity," said DG Pope. "Operation Welcome shows that when partners work together, migration can benefit both migrants and communities. Private sector engagement is key to helping people access jobs faster and contribute to local economies."
The coordinated approach links early assistance with access to jobs, services and inclusion, with strong engagement from the private sector, and has positioned Brazil as a regional reference for practical migration management that promotes self-reliance and benefits communities alike.
Launched by the Brazilian Federal Government in 2018 in response to Venezuelan displacement, Operation Welcome brings together federal and local authorities, the Brazilian Armed Forces, United Nations agencies, civil society, the private sector and local communities in a coordinated response widely recognized as a global good practice.
The operation is structured around three pillars: border reception and documentation, emergency shelter and assistance, and voluntary relocation to municipalities across Brazil where migrants can access employment, education and essential services. Relocation helps distribute reception efforts across the country and connects people with real opportunities to rebuild their lives.
As a key operational partner since the beginning of the response, IOM supports all pillars of Operation Welcome. To date, more than 600,000 migrants have received support to regularize their stay in Brazil, and over 155,000 people have been assisted through the voluntary relocation programme to more than 1,000 municipalities nationwide.
Relocation helps match migrants' skills with labour market needs across different regions. Through broader integration programmes, IOM has supported more than 60,000 migrants with employability support, vocational training and access to income opportunities, contributing to local development and social cohesion.
Partnerships with the private sector remain central to these efforts. Employers help expand access to decent work, invest in skills, and support faster inclusion. These collaborations strengthen local economies while enabling migrants to contribute to their host communities.
Brazil currently hosts more than 740,000 Venezuelan nationals, many of whom entered through Roraima. The scale of arrivals has placed pressure on border areas, highlighting the importance of continued coordination among national and local authorities, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
As global humanitarian funding becomes increasingly constrained, Brazil's experience demonstrates the value of partnerships that link humanitarian response with longer-term integration solutions.
As IOM marks ten years of cooperation in Brazil, the Organization reaffirms its commitment to working with government and partners to support well-managed migration that benefits migrants and communities alike.
