The Sociocultural and Psychological Adaptation of Syrian Refugees in Brazil

In 2017, Brazil registered the largest number of requests for refuge since the beginning of the historical series of the National Committee for Refugees (Conare) of the Ministry of Justice. There were 33,865 applications counted throughout the country. This number represents almost triple the number of applications registered in 2016 (up 228%). Before, the record of requests had been reached in 2014, when there were 28,670 applications from foreigners. By the end of 2016, Brazil recognized a total of 9,552 refugees from 82 nationalities. Of these, 8,522 were recognized by traditional means of eligibility, 713 arrived in Brazil through resettlement and 317 were extended the effects of refugee status of some family member. Syria was the country with the highest number of recognized refugees (326) in Brazil in 2016.

This migration process has had repercussions for both individuals and Brazilian policies alike. Brazil has not been a country that typically received large numbers of international newcomers in its recent history; research on the subject is beginning to emerge. Different models of acculturation have offered a theoretical basis for understanding these repercussions, but are generally studied in South to North migration contexts. Considering the social relevance of analyzing this South to South migration phenomenon, the present study investigated the sociocultural and psychological adaptation, acculturation and cultural distance of 40 Syrian refugees living in Brazil for at least six months. Results of this study will be presented in light of theoretical and practical implications, focused on the historical, social, and public policy context of refugees in Brazil.