Unemployed person walking into an unemployment office

Unemployed person enters a SINE agency, Brazil's main public employment service for job placement.

About this subject

The National Employment System (SINE) was created in 1975 during the military government as part of anti-unemployment policies. Today it is Brazil's largest public job placement service, present in all states and the Federal District. SINE agencies offer not only job referrals but also services such as digital work card issuance, unemployment insurance, and professional training. In 2023, SINE mediated over 1.5 million formal hirings, according to the Ministry of Labor. The agency depicted in the image, during the morning, likely serves workers seeking quick reemployment, often from sectors such as commerce and services, which concentrate most of the offered vacancies. The scene documents a common moment in Brazilian urban peripheries, where the SINE line is seen as the first alternative for those who lost formal employment. Many agencies operate in partnership with city halls and offer free courses to increase candidates' employability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SINE and how does it work?

SINE is the National Employment System, created in 1975, which connects unemployed workers to formal job vacancies. It operates through agencies across Brazil, where workers can register and be referred to opportunities matching their profile.

What services does SINE offer besides jobs?

In addition to job placement, SINE offers digital work card issuance, unemployment insurance requests, professional guidance, and free or low-cost training courses.

How to find a SINE agency?

SINE agencies are present in all Brazilian municipalities. The address of the nearest unit can be found on the Ministry of Labor website or through the Digital Work Card app.