Introduction:
Immigration and refuge have growing social and cultural impacts in Brazil, a country marked by slavery, whitening policies, and structural racism. The rise of authoritarian and nationalist movements, as well as border closures, intensify the exclusion of vulnerable groups. In this context, Social Occupational Therapy can play a crucial role in promoting social inclusion and intercultural mediation with immigrants and refugees, aiming for equity and social transformation.
Objective:
This study aims to analyze the contributions of Social Occupational Therapy through teaching, research, and university comunity initiatives developed by the Metuia Center at the Federal University of São Paulo, focusing on the context of immigration and refuge.
Method:
The research is based on documental and bibliographical analysis, complemented by the systematization of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary experiences in Social Occupational Therapy, developed between 2018 and 2024.
Results:
The research analyzes the challenges and contributions of Social Occupational Therapy in relation to three central themes: 1. Access and inclusion of international students in basic and higher education. 2. Territorial and community actions for the continuing education of health, education, and social assistance professionals. 3. Combating racism, xenophobia, and religious intolerance in the context of immigration.
Conclusion:
It is understood that in Brazil, it is impossible to dissociate initiatives in social occupational therapy in the migratory context from addressing racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, and gender inequality. We also recognize the contributions of technologies in social occupational therapy for welcoming and intercultural mediation in these contexts.