Lula Issues Provisional Measure Tightening Seguro-Defeso and Capping Outlays

Overview

• The new rule requires biometric registration and bars overlap with most continuous pensions or assistance benefits, with exceptions for death pension and accident aid.
• Applicants must prove residence in municipalities covered by the closed season and submit sales invoices or monthly social security contribution proofs for at least six of the 12 months before the ban.
• Program management moves to the Ministry of Labor, which must publish monthly beneficiary lists with identification and registration details and collect periodic reports evidencing fishing activity between seasons.
• Spending growth is tied to Brazil’s fiscal framework, with a 2025 allocation set at R$ 7.35 billion and future increases limited to the framework’s real growth bands.
• Haddad said the Treasury did not draft the measure, expressed confidence in congressional acceptance, and noted the government could reissue the text if it expires without a vote.