In Brazil, 21.62% of the prison population engages in some type of work activity, according to the latest data from the National Secretariat for Criminal Policies, part of the Ministry of Justice.
The figure is not limited to people held in prisons: it also includes those serving sentences under house arrest, with or without electronic monitoring.
Despite the low percentage, the share of people who work reached its highest level in the historical series by December 2025.
The difficulty continues after leaving prison. Finding a job is hindered by prejudice, a lack of qualifications and employers' reluctance to hire former inmates.
Expanding access to work is one of the priorities of Pena Justa, a plan drawn up by the federal government and the National Council of Justice after the Supreme Court recognized an unconstitutional state of affairs in the prison system.
