Haitian Migration to Brazil and Local Social Response in the Amazon State of Mato Grosso: Networking with the Immigrant Community to Improve Health Conditions

Since 2012 there has been a new and intense flow of Haitians immigrants to Mato Grosso, a state with low population density situated in the Brazilian Amazon. In this study we discuss the characteristics of this migration and analyze the response by local authorities and civil society to it. We conducted a community-based participatory action research as well offered services to the Haitian migrant community. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study based on data from the the Annual Report of Social Information (RAIS in Portuguese) and the Registry of Haitians from the House of Migrants, a Catholic Church organization located in Cuiabá, capital of Mato Grosso. We collected socio-economic data on Haitian immigrants from 2012 to 2014 to characterize their workforce profile stratified by age, gender, average income, occupation, and education level. We also used participatory methods to carry out a case study about their three major demands: Portuguese classes, legal assistance, and health care. We also discuss the role of civil society, which mobilized itself faster than the government to address the social needs of Haitians. Our evidence suggests that Haitians earn low wages and are more vulnerable to poor work conditions. There are bureaucratic barriers to access social policies in Brazil, even though the National Immigration Council (CNIg in Portuguese) has played an important role in the integration of Haitians. We conclude that the best response came from the State Education Council thanks to black movement representatives in the Council.