New Immigration Law
Goes Into Effect March 1
March 1 is an important date for foreigners
living and working in Costa Rica, as the new
Ley de Migración y Extranjería takes effect.
Some of the changes contained in the new
immigration law is the requirement of
foreign residents working in Costa Rica to
contribute to the Caja Costarricense del
Seguro Social (CCSS) - social security.
Foreign residents who do not contribute will
no longer be able to obtain free medical
services.
Also, foreigners are required to pay an
annual us$25 fee that will go to the Fondo
Social Migratorio that will raise some us$12
million dollars annual from the 486.000
foreign residents.
The new legislation also calls for a fine of
us$100 per month to any foreigner who
overstays his or her "legal" stay. North
Americans and Europeans have a legal stay of
up to 90 days, while only 30 days for most
other countries.
The new law also requires hotels and others
providing lodging to maintain a public
register fo all foreigners, which can be
reviewed by immigration officials at any
time.
In addition, the Policía Técnica de
Migración (immigration police force) will
expand from the current 35 officials to 285.
Those individuals caught transporting
illegals to and from Costa Rica to avoid
immigration controls or using false or
doctored documents, may face from two to six
years in prison.
The objective of the law is to require
foreigners living in Costa Rica to
"formalize" their immigration status and
contribute to the social system, and control
the entrance of criminals.
The new law creates the "Tribunal Superior
Migratorio" to hear immigration appeals
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