Analysis and evaluation of Brazilian work-led immigration policy guidelines for institutional development in the 21th century

Abstract

There is a consistent literature suggesting that migration incentives can be a powerful tool for fostering new technologies and boosting development, softening the demographic transition, and making the labor market more dynamic in specific regions, contributing to the reduction of regional disparities. This paper provides a synthesis of research carried out by FGV/DAPP - Department of Public Policy Analysis of Fundação Getulio Vargas (Brazil) – aimed at identifying the institutional obstacles faced by Brazilian Work-Led Immigration Policy in attracting qualified immigrants and also providing recommendations on how to use immigration as a strategic vector for technological development. It was based on multidisciplinary research, consisting of the following: data analysis; comparative policy analysis; focus groups and interviews; legal framework analysis; and operational process mapping. The results of each of these contributed to the drafting of a set of recommendations for new policy mechanisms and adjustments that were partly implemented by the Brazilian Government through a decree (no. 8757/2016). Recommendations ranged from structural changes (integrating information and responsibilities among government agencies) to legal changes (creating specific visas for those willing to open innovative start-ups, for example).