#CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS_ImmigrationAlert: Government Issues New Immigration Regulations

 

The first of these decrees amends the Regulation on Refugees (No. 36831-G), as it determines that no work permits will be granted to applicants for this condition on an immediate basis; this is why upon entry into force of this amendment, those submitting their refuge application in the country must meet the internal procedure that will implement the General Immigration Authority (DGME) as competent government body for the application of the immigration policy in Costa Rica. Said procedure –as indicated by the authorities– will be informed at a later opportunity.
 
Also, it provides that those who have been granted work permits as a result of the submission of their refuge application before this amendment will enjoy an extension of said permits, provided that they meet the appropriate registration with the Costa Rican Social Security Administration.
 
In this connection, the amendment includes a section which sets forth that refuge applicants may not leave the country under any circumstance while their application is pending. Those infringing this provision will be exposed to definitive cancellation of the procedure, as the applicant’s exit of the national territory will be considered an abandonment of the process.
 
The second decree creates a new immigration category known as: “Special temporary category for Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela nationals”. Said category is intended to relieve pressure on the refuge system and will become effective from March 1st, 2023. The procedure details, as well as their requirements, will be informed at a later opportunity.