New Immigration Law Goes Into Effect March 1
February 26th, 2010 | by admin |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
