Erick Ugás, a content creator based in São Paulo who focuses on guiding the Cuban community in Brazil, recently released a video highlighting a common misstep made by many Cubans when applying for refugee status in this South American nation.
"Yesterday, a follower reached out to me, saying their refugee application had been denied. Honestly, in all my time here, I've rarely heard of this happening," Ugás stated at the beginning of his Facebook video.
Economic Reasons: A Misguided Approach
After discussing with the individual, Ugás identified a prevalent error: citing economic hardships as a reason for leaving Cuba. He emphasized that many applicants mention issues like insufficient wages or food shortages during their interviews, which automatically invalidates their request.
"When you apply for refuge, whether in person or online, you must not state that you left your country due to low wages or lack of food or shoes. These are not grounds for asylum anywhere, including Brazil," Ugás warned.
His message was clear: "Avoid making this mistake. Don't talk about power outages or milk shortages. These arguments won't help you secure refuge."
Understanding the True Grounds for Refuge
Ugás explained that asylum is granted for reasons such as human rights violations or political persecution. "There are countless valid reasons, but economic challenges are not among them," he added.
Brazilian law supports this perspective. According to Law No. 9.474/1997, valid reasons for asylum include persecution based on political opinion, race, religion, nationality, or social group membership, as well as severe human rights violations. Economic difficulties are not protected under any international refugee system.
The Red Document Misconception
In another video, Ugás addressed a frequent misunderstanding: the belief that the provisional document known as RNM—or the "little red card" issued about three months after applying—signifies approved refugee status.
"This document is provisional; it even states so. Your case remains with CONARE and will be reviewed when they see fit," he clarified.
The RNM is practically useful—it allows individuals to open bank accounts and serves as official identification—but it doesn't confirm refugee status or guarantee permanent residency.
Record Numbers, Minimal Approvals
Ugás's advice comes as Cubans continue to lead in asylum applications in Brazil for the second consecutive year. In 2025, nearly 42,000 Cubans applied—over 55% of the national total. Between January and April 2026, another 13,414 Cubans sought refuge, representing 58% of all applications in that period.
However, formal recognition is exceedingly rare: in the first four months of 2026, no Cuban was granted refugee status by CONARE, and only two Cuban applications were approved in the first half of 2025. The process can take more than five years.
Alexei Padilla Herrera, a migration consultant based in Brazil, succinctly summarized the situation: "The key to receiving asylum is providing verifiable evidence of past or potential persecution."
Understanding Refugee Application in Brazil
What is a common mistake when applying for asylum in Brazil?
A frequent error is citing economic reasons, such as low wages or food shortages, as motives for leaving one's country. These do not qualify as valid grounds for asylum under international standards.
What are the valid grounds for seeking asylum in Brazil?
Valid reasons include persecution due to political opinion, race, religion, nationality, or belonging to a particular social group, as well as severe human rights violations.
Does the RNM document confirm refugee status?
No, the RNM is a provisional document that allows for practical identification purposes but does not confirm refugee status or guarantee permanent residency.