Migration policy and labor rights: A case study of venezuelan migrant's reception in the Brazilian South

Abstract

Objective/Context: The Venezuelan humanitarian crisis has influenced its population immigration flow to Brazil, directly impacting the Brazilian job market. This article aims to analyze the difficulties and working conditions experienced by Venezuelan citizens who recently arrived in southern Brazil. Methodology: It started from qualitative and quantitative empirical research carried out with Venezuelan immigrants welcomed in southern Brazil, specifically in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. We aimed to compare the normative framework in force in Brazil concerning foreigners' labor rights in the face of the factual reality described by these immigrants. Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that the integration of the Venezuelan citizens in the Rio Grande do Sul job market involves several challenges, such as language; excessive bureaucracy in the revalidation of diplomas; discrimination, and, above all, working in areas that do not match their professional background. The immigrants' lack of knowledge about their labor rights associated with the vulnerability of forced migration aggravates the chances of submission to labor exploitation. Originality: This article provides a detailed reflection on Venezuelan immigrants' employment situation based on their own experiences under the labor legislation to protect foreign workers.