Source: Correio Braziliense - DF - CITIES - 30/07/2009

Freelancers can apply online or at Sebrae units to formalize their activity and obtain social security benefits and special credit lines. The sofa washer, the seamstress, the magician, the tattoo artist, the azulegista and all the other Brazilians who form an army of self-employed workers who number more than 10 million soldiers can now enjoy rights that were restricted to formal work. In Brasília, almost a thousand people have already opted for a new type of relationship with the government and with the country, becoming individual entrepreneurs. Since the 1st of this month, the inclusion of the figure of the individual entrepreneur in the General Law of Micro and Small Companies, self-employed workers with annual gross income of up to R $ 36 thousand can leave informality and collaborate for social security, retire and receive INSS benefits in case of illness. It also ensures access to credit at rates lower than those charged by the market.

Anyone who becomes an individual entrepreneur gains a registration number with the National Register of Legal Entities (CNPJ) and can obtain special conditions offered by institutions such as Caixa Econômica Federal. “For these workers, we are going to lend with interest below 3% per month. Whoever takes a credit card will not pay a fee this year, ”said CEF superintendent Dalmo Rangel, at an event yesterday morning at the Ullysses Guimarães Convention Center. "This is a way to combat informality, an evil for the country, with a positive measure, which helps those who are in this situation", valued the national director of Sebrae, Paulo Okamoto, at the same event.

Rights

Registrations can be made online, on the website www.portaldoempreendedor.org.br, or at Sebrae units. To be entitled to retirement, INSS coverage and maternity leave, in the case of women, the individual entrepreneur must contribute between R $ 52 and R $ 56, depending on the area of ​​activity. "It is a historic law, which gives us the opportunity to bring full citizenship to 10 to 15 million Brazilians working in the informal sector," said Senator Adelmir Santana (DEM-DF), in an interview with the Correio. "In addition to the practical advantages, we will raise the self-esteem of a good part of the Brazilian people, who will be proud to enter the formal economy", added the parliamentarian, who was the rapporteur of the bill sanctioned by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The news is good for people like Maranhao Betel Lino Araújo César, 48 years old. After going through various jobs in his homeland - most of them without a formal contract - he came to try his luck in the capital in 1998. “I worked in two places, but for a short time because my salary was barely enough to live on,” he says. “At the time, I lived in a house where my companions were plasterers. So, I decided to learn the profession and it was a very good thing for me. That's what I do today, ”he adds. Bethel is always looking for ways to increase income and improve working conditions. “I am up to date and, on a trip to Sebrae, I discovered this law. I was one of the first to register, ”he says proudly. "Now I will be able to seek credit to grow," he adds, who is thinking of looking for his daughter who is finishing high school in Maranhão to live in Brasília. “Here, she will have more opportunities. As I am, ”said Bethel, a resident of Samambaia Norte.

Challenge

The news was not only in the launch of the individual entrepreneur. Governor José Roberto Arruda, who participated in the meeting, took the opportunity to inform that he will forgive informal workers with debts in the DF's active debt. “Sometimes, the person owes R $ 5, which increases with interest and does not even know what to do to pay. We will end these debts to celebrate today, ”he announced, receiving applause from the crowded auditorium. "Now, when the inspector arrives at your job, you show him the ID card, show that he is now a legal worker", said Arruda, moments before assuring the Courier that the measure will not facilitate, for example, the installation of salesmen street vendors in areas where they are prohibited. "Being nice means respecting the rules of the game," said he, who took the time to praise Adelmir Santana. “A man who arrived in Brasília with one hand in front and the other behind, got a job as a pharmacy counter clerk, became a partner, owner of the pharmacy and became a senator of the Republic without forgetting the little ones, people who are like him. . ”

The challenge now is to inform the population of the new right. Just yesterday, while the event was taking place at the Convention Center, street vendor Paulo Santiago de Souza, 42, sold juices outside without knowing anything. "I thought it was just the kiosks," he said. “I have been in the business for 18 years and have never had any rights. I'm very interested and I'm going to get informed, ”he said.