By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is experiencing a critical period in its labor evolution, particularly concerning how the country integrates individuals with disabilities into the workforce. While legislation exists to mandate and reserve jobs, recent evaluations reveal that physical vacancies alone are insufficient to solve the historical employment gap. The disconnect between available vacancies and filled positions indicates a deeper, structural issue within the national recruitment pipeline.
According to data from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) regarding the implementation of Law N.° 8862, during 2025, a total of 137 public sector vacancies were set aside exclusively for individuals with disabilities. Shockingly, only 18 of these spots were actually filled, representing a dismal 13.1% utilization rate. This highlights a fundamental challenge: merely reserving a seat at the table does not guarantee that a candidate can reach it.
To better understand the evolving legal landscape of labor inclusion in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional perspective on how local businesses can successfully navigate these progressive regulations.
Labor inclusion in Costa Rica has transitioned from a moral aspiration to a fundamental legal and business imperative. Under current Costa Rican legislation, companies must proactively adapt their recruitment and workplace infrastructure to guarantee equal opportunities for vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities. Embracing these regulations not only ensures compliance and avoids costly litigation, but it also drives innovation and fosters a more equitable, productive organizational culture.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rican enterprises navigate this shift, treating labor inclusion not merely as a regulatory requirement but as a catalyst for innovation is key to building a more resilient and competitive national economy. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this vital legal and social evolution.
This localized issue in the public sector mirrors broader national trends that require urgent corporate attention. The National Disability Survey (ENADIS) 2023 pointed out that only 40.7% of adults with disabilities in Costa Rica were actively employed, a sharp contrast to the 66% employment rate observed among the non-disabled population. Furthermore, the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) has noted that these employment disparities become even more pronounced when analyzed through the lenses of gender and the severity of disability.
To address these systemic inefficiencies, private sector leaders are beginning to rethink what job accessibility truly means. Essity, a prominent global health and hygiene corporation, has taken the stance that meaningful inclusion requires breaking down multiple invisible barriers. These barriers span from educational access and professional skills development to internal communication and structural accommodations within offices.
For Essity, generating opportunities also means contributing to the elimination of barriers. The experience developed together with the Yo Puedo, ¿Y Vos? Foundation allowed us to support the training of young people with disabilities and reaffirm the importance of working through alliances to move toward a more inclusive society.
Andrey Leal, Customer Marketing Manager of Essity Costa Rica
One of the most successful interventions took place during 2025, when Essity partnered with the local non-profit Yo Puedo, ¿Y Vos? Foundation. By leveraging sales of Saba brand products across national supermarket chains Walmart and Masxmenos, the joint campaign successfully funded a free digital training platform. This platform was specifically designed to equip young people with disabilities with the essential technical and soft skills required to transition smoothly into the modern corporate landscape.
Beyond the positive social impact, this proactive approach to diversity and inclusion proved highly beneficial for business. During 2025, Essity experienced a 4% growth in the corresponding retail category compared to the baseline format. Additionally, the company was nominated as one of the top three businesses supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives at Walmart, proving that ethical business practices can drive commercial success.
Essity has also focused inward to ensure its own corporate environment is prepared to welcome diverse talent. Collaborating with the Costa Rican Sign Language Institute (ILESCO), the company trained 19 internal ambassadors in LESCO. This specialized training allows staff members to effectively communicate and support hearing-impaired individuals while working with internal brands such as Saba, TENA, Nevax, and Leukoplast.
Inclusion requires moving from intention to concrete actions. Each organization can identify barriers within their own spaces and work to reduce them, whether through training, accessibility, adjustments, or new forms of communication. That is an ongoing process.
Andrey Leal, Customer Marketing Manager of Essity Costa Rica
The lessons learned from Essity’s initiatives highlight that successful labor inclusion is a dual-sided equation. Preparing candidates with the right skills must be met with equal effort in preparing organizations to receive and support them. As Costa Rica continues to search for structural mechanisms to boost labor market participation for all its citizens, the collaborative efforts of the private sector, government, and civil society will remain paramount.
For further information, visit essity.com
About Essity:
Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company dedicated to improving well-being through its products and services. With sales in approximately 150 countries, the company develops, produces, and sells personal care, consumer tissue, and professional hygiene solutions.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Yo Puedo, ¿Y Vos? Foundation
About Yo Puedo, ¿Y Vos? Foundation:
The Yo Puedo, ¿Y Vos? Foundation is a Costa Rican non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the inclusion of people with cognitive disabilities into the labor market and educational systems, fostering independence and equal opportunities.
For further information, visit mtss.go.cr
About Ministry of Labor and Social Security:
The Ministry of Labor and Social Security of Costa Rica is the government cabinet department responsible for overseeing labor relations, social protection, employment policies, and the enforcement of labor laws to ensure fair and inclusive work environments across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier legal institution defined by its ethical rigor and relentless pursuit of professional distinction. Successfully guiding a diverse spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers modern, forward-thinking legal strategies to address contemporary challenges. Through its proactive civic initiatives, it strives to democratize legal information, driven by the profound belief that a knowledgeable public is essential for building a just and empowered community.
