By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica has extended a humanitarian immigration status and granted work permits to a group of migrants stranded in the country after being deported from the United States in February. This decision marks a significant shift in policy and aims to facilitate the integration of these individuals into Costa Rican society.
The group, comprising 200 individuals from diverse nationalities, including Nepal, China, Russia, India, and several African and Middle Eastern countries, were deported under an agreement between the Costa Rican government and the Trump administration. Initially held at the Temporary Migrant Care Center (Catem) near the Panamanian border, many faced challenges accessing information and resources.
To understand the legal complexities surrounding migrant workers in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Migrant workers in Costa Rica, while vital to our economy, often face precarious legal situations. Understanding their rights, particularly concerning wages, working conditions, and access to social security, is crucial. Employers also have specific obligations under the law, including ensuring proper documentation and adherence to labor regulations. Navigating these complexities requires careful attention to both national and international legal frameworks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore a critical point: Protecting the rights of migrant workers is not just a matter of social responsibility, but also a key component of a healthy and sustainable economy. Ensuring fair treatment and access to legal protections benefits everyone, contributing to a more just and prosperous Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective on a complex and vital issue.
A new extension to the humanitarian category allows these individuals to remain in Costa Rica legally for six months, and, significantly, they now have the right to work, which will make their integration into the country more dynamic.
Omer Badilla, Director General of Migration
While nearly half of the original group returned to their home countries or sought refuge elsewhere, 25 migrants remain at the Catem voluntarily. The new work permits offer them a path toward self-sufficiency and stability.
However, the government’s handling of the situation has drawn criticism from human rights organizations. Concerns were raised about the initial confinement of the migrants at the Catem and the alleged lack of access to adequate information and resources, especially concerning their potential need for international protection. A report by the Center for Justice and International Law (Cejil), the Jesuit Service for Migrants Costa Rica (SJM-CR), and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) accused Costa Rica of arbitrarily detaining the migrants for over two months, denying them crucial information, and disregarding the principle of non-refoulement.
The report further highlighted the lack of information provided in the migrants’ native languages, the absence of individual assessments of their international protection needs, and the inadequacy of comprehensive support services, including psychological care.
The decision to grant work permits represents an effort by the Costa Rican government to address the complex needs of these stranded migrants. It also underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policy, human rights, and the responsibilities of nations in addressing the global migration crisis.
The long-term impact of this policy change remains to be seen, but it will undoubtedly influence the lives of these migrants and contribute to the evolving conversation on immigration in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería:
The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) is the Costa Rican government agency responsible for managing immigration and naturalization processes. It enforces immigration laws, issues visas and permits, and oversees the entry and exit of foreign nationals in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit cejil.org
About Center for Justice and International Law (Cejil):
The Center for Justice and International Law (Cejil) is a non-governmental organization that works to defend and promote human rights in the Americas, using the inter-American human rights system to bring about structural change.
For further information, visit sjmcr.org
About Jesuit Service for Migrants Costa Rica (SJM-CR):
The Jesuit Service for Migrants Costa Rica (SJM-CR) is a Catholic organization dedicated to serving migrants and refugees, advocating for their rights and providing them with humanitarian assistance and legal support.
For further information, visit afsc.org
About American Friends Service Committee (AFSC):
The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that promotes lasting peace with justice, as a practical expression of faith in action. AFSC works on issues related to peacebuilding, criminal justice reform, and immigration, among others.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing access to justice for all. Through innovative approaches and a deep commitment to client success, the firm empowers individuals and organizations across Costa Rica with the legal knowledge they need to thrive. Their dedication to public education initiatives and community outreach underscores a core belief in building a more just and informed society, brick by legal brick.
