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GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION COSTA RICA

This article explores the vulnerability of migrants during natural disasters and the lack of support networks, integration processes, and access to social services. It also highlights the experiences of the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration in Costa Rica in providing assistance to migrants during emergencies.

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GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION COSTA RICA

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  1. GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION COSTA RICA Migration and Natural Disasters General Directorate of Migration and Immigration, Republic of Costa Rica

  2. [Flood Emergency Declared]

  3. Vulnerability of Migrants • Lack of support networks in the society of destination • Loss of support networks in the society of origin • Deficient integration processes • Cultural and language barriers • Low socio-economic levels • Irregular migration status and insufficient (or absence of) identification • Fear of contacting relevant institutions to request assistance • Informal labour or conditions of exploitation • Lack of access to social services and health care • Accommodation in risk or precarious areas • Vulnerability due to gender, age and disability

  4. World Disasters Report 2012 • Figures from the Report • 15 million displaced persons due to development projects; • 43 million displaced persons due to conflict and violence; • 73 million forced migrants worldwide; • 49% of the forced migrants and women and girls; • 15 million persons are displaced due to natural and technological disasters; • 46% of the persons are under 18 years of age; • 2011 was the most expensive year of the past decade in terms of natural disasters –   • US$365.5 billion.

  5. The Experience of DGME: Costa Rica • Migration Amnesty Decree: In response to Hurricane Mitch (1998), for Central Americans. • General Migration and Immigration Act (Act No. 8764, March 1, 2010): • Article 13 (Role of the General Directorate) • 34) To repatriate Costa Rican nationals abroad, when required for humanitarian reasons, and to repatriate Costa Rican nationals declared dead abroad, (…) • Article 94 (Migration Categories): • 12) Others that are deemed appropriate by the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration for humanitarian reasons, in accordance with international human rights instruments and as established in the Bylaws to this Act.

  6. The Experience of DGME: Costa Rica ARTTICLE 13.- (Roles of the General Directorate) The following roles of the General Directorate are established in this Law and its Bylaws: 36) The other roles that are directly linked to managing and monitoring migration movements in the country, using discretionary powers and reasoned resolution to address specific cases that need to be resolved in a manner other than established under the general procedures. ARTÍCULO 78.- (Permanent Resident Status) Permanent resident status may be granted to foreign nationals that meet the following requirements: 3) Those that are granted this status by the Committee for Restricted Visas and Refuge. In order to renew their migration status and when appropriate, permanent residents must prove that they have a social security number, from the moment when this resident status was granted to them, as a minimum, and in an uninterrupted manner until the renewal of their local identity card. Exceptions to this rule shall be established through relevant regulations.

  7. Migration Policy A Social Prevention Approach • This approach is oriented toward reducing, eliminating and neutralizing in advance the conditions that foster insecurity, such as crimes, medical emergencies and natural disasters, among others. This involves the active and solidary participation of community members and public and private institutions, aimed at implementing coordinated and planned joint actions in order to improve the social, economic and cultural conditions that promote the country’s development (for example, relating to health, education, work, recreation, etc.). All such efforts should be oriented toward discouraging criminal behaviour, reducing the victimization of migrants and refugees and thus, creating a safer environment for everyone in the country.

  8. Immediate Actions during Emergencies • 2009: Cinchona Earthquake • Assistance to affected foreign nationals; • Identifying 232 Nicaraguan nationals to grant them a legal residence status. • 2010: Cerro Lajas, Escazú Landslide • Visits to shelters; • 194 foreign nationals identified, the majority of them with irregular migration status and with links to Costa Rican nationals; • Information provided about requirements and services, such as housing vouchers, social assistance, etc. • 2012: Nicoya Earthquake • Visits and services through “Migra-Móviles”.

  9. Humanitarian Reasons • Grounds resulting from the situations of persons in the context of natural disasters or catastrophes, armed conflict, emergency situations and, in the broadest sense, situations related to recognizing the human rights of victims whose fundamental human rights have been violated and providing the required protection.

  10. Thank you! www.migracion.go.cr

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