There are more than 710,000 refugees in Brazil from countries like Venezuela, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Many are employed in the restaurant industry. However, obtaining necessary letters of recommendation can prove daunting for those without established local networks or facing language barriers.

Africa Creative and Heinz have stepped in to help, with an innovative initiative, Reviews For Naturalisation, that assists refugees in Brazil to become naturalised citizens. The program encourages customers at burger joints nationwide to leave positive reviews for immigrant staff, turning everyday feedback into powerful recommendations for naturalisation applications.

Heinz has a longstanding relationships with burger restaurants, which employ a substantial number of refugees. The company encourages patrons to spotlight the exceptional service and dedication of immigrant employees. Reviews highlighting commendable efforts of individuals are intended to demonstrate these workers’ invaluable skills and integration into the community, potentially reducing bureaucratic hurdles by up to fifty per cent.

The Reviews For Naturalisation program is the culmination of two years of planning and dedication to social responsibility. This initiative not only assists immigrants and refugees in their journey towards citizenship but also solidifies Heinz’s reputation as a brand that champions hospitality for all, irrespective of background or circumstance.

It even helps to ease increasing challenges in the world related to displacement and migration by offering a model for how companies can engage customers in fostering a supportive community ethos.

There is more information about Heinz’ Reviews For Naturalisation program here.