More than 10,000 Afghan refugees have arrived in Brazil since the collapse of the Afghan government in 2021, when the Taliban took power. Among them, former high-ranking officials face difficulties rebuilding their careers in the country.
Political scientist Ghulam Mustafa Shirzad, 37, a former director in Afghan ministries, now works as a cashier at a food stall in São Paulo. Language barriers prevent his professional reintegration despite an MBA and a master’s degree. Nina Kawusi, 37, a former journalist, works as a henna artist and points to structural shortcomings: lack of Portuguese language instruction, recognition of diplomas and mental health support. Habib Aseel, 33, a former manager at the national broadcaster RTA, survives with the help of an NGO. Endocrinologist Mohamed Yama Shahab, 37, a former member of Afghanistan’s Federal Medical Council, is awaiting diploma validation while living on donations in Santo André.
Afghans are the second-largest group with approved refugee requests in Brazil, behind only Venezuelans. Experts praise Brazil’s humanitarian visa but criticize the lack of a national integration strategy. UNHCR is expected to launch a guide to facilitate recognition of foreign diplomas in the country.
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