Improving the process of assisting refuge application in border states using the Soft Systems Methodology: a case study in Brazil

Abstract

Humanitarian and economic crises are driving migratory movements around the world. Natural disasters and political and economic crises are major drivers of migration. Migration played a significant role in the spread of COVID-19. Brazil recognizes its duty to protect refugee immigrants. Immigrants are received at the country's borders by the Brazilian Federal Police, a public law enforcement agency responsible for immigration control and refugee requests. This study proposes improvements in the process of assisting refugee applications in the border states of Brazil, using the Soft Systems Methodology. Proposals were developed to improve the process for refugee requests and raise the quality of assistance to migrants in high-demand border states. This study is innovative, as the proposed actions enable better use of the available human and material resources for activities, resulting in greater efficiency in the service process. This case study was carried out at the Regional Superintendence of the Federal Police in Roraima (Brazil). The proposals can be adopted in other units of the PF, especially where there is high demand for refuge applications and significant resource constraints in these complex scenarios. They also have potential to be applied in other areas of the agency. The proposals have a significant social impact by providing a more efficient public service.