DRC and Brazil sign agreement on employment for dependents of diplomatic staff

Kinshasa March 31, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo and Brazil have signed a bilateral agreement allowing dependents of diplomatic mission staff to engage in paid employment, marking a new step in strengthening ties between the two countries. The agreement was concluded during the official visit to Kinshasa by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira from March 29 to 30, as part of broader efforts to deepen cooperation and reinforce longstanding diplomatic relations. According to Congolese authorities, the deal applies to dependents of staff serving in diplomatic missions, consular posts, and permanent representations, facilitating their access to local labor markets under defined legal frameworks. Officials from both countries described the agreement as progress in legal and social cooperation, while reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding collaboration across multiple sectors. Discussions between the two sides identified key areas of priority, including agriculture, infrastructure, defense, education, mining, culture, research, and economic development. Both governments also expressed their intention to boost trade and encourage investment flows. The visit builds on previous engagements, notably multisectoral consultations held in Brasília and a Congolese diplomatic mission in August 2025. As part of this ongoing partnership, the second session of the DRC-Brazil multisectoral consultations is scheduled to take place in Kinshasa in 2027.