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Published Wednesday, April 8, 2020
More than 5,000
foreignersrejected to enter the country By the A.M. Costa Rica staff Authorities of the General Directorate of Migration reported on Tuesday having rejected entry to 5,106 foreigners who have tried to avoid the presidential order closure of borders, to contain the increase in patients infected with coronavirus covid-19. Since March 18, when the regulation was implemented, the immigration police have detained foreigners at official entry points, by land, sea or air, as well as in illegal zones used to enter into the country. Most of the foreigners located are of Nicaraguan nationality, authorities said. According to the Ministry of Security, during the border closure period surveillance has been reinforced. The security measure is expected to last until April 30, with possibilities to be prolonged until the government announces the end of the emergency caused by the coronavirus covid-19 pandemic. Following the new regulations, no foreigner can enter the country, including residents. In the case of Costa Ricans who enter the country, they must comply with the medical order to remain in isolation for 14 days. Foreigners who enter the country through illegal zones will be rejected. Foreigners with resident status entering through illegal zones will lose their immigration status There is no restriction on leaving the country for foreigners. The restriction only applies to foreigners who return to the country during the period of the border closure. After the borders are reopened, Costa Ricans and foreigner travelers will return to normal requirements. According to the Directorate of Migration, the main recommendations to the people during the period of border closure period are: - Abstain from leaving the national territory. Do not travel. - A foreigner who leaves the country will not be able to enter. - In the case of a foreign resident citizen who leaves or enters through an illegal zone will automatically lose their residency status. - Costa Ricans or foreigner residents who were living out of the country and must return will be notified of a sanitary isolation order (quarantine) for 14 days. People who fail to comply with quarantine orders will receive a fine of approximately $790. - The order that prohibited entry to the country of foreigners with resident status was modified last week. - Extreme cases of people who must enter or leave the country for humanitarian reasons will be evaluated by the authorities before obtaining a special license. - Foreigners who entered the country as tourists between December 17, 2019 to March 23, and remain in Costa Rica will now have their tourist visa expiration dates extended until May 17. This applies to all tourists who are living in the country. Foreigners must proceed with the corresponding procedure to renew the tourist visa or leave the country once the extension period has ended. Procedures for renewal of Residency Identification Cards, or DIMEX ID’s, will only be available through appointments at Banco de Costa Rica and Correos de Costa Rica. Appointments will not be allowed in the Migration facilities. The renewal appointments of temporary residence for a Costa Rican spouse must be requested through the same email. Other types of procedures related to the renovation of residency credentials may also be requested at any Banco de Costa Rica or Correos de Costa Rica branches. Procedures for renewing resident credentials must be done by email, previous_ccss@migracion.go.cr. The country remains in a state of emergency over the covid-19 pandemic, according to a government decree released in March. The decree to close borders also allows the use of government funds to finance needs such as purchasing supplies or attending emergencies in any part of the country. Closed border orders apply at all immigration entry points by sea, air and land. Those exempt are the crew of air transport, commerce or supplies services. The most recent case of a person detained for breaking the quarantine order happened on Monday. According to the Prosecutor's Office of the Canton of Pococí in Limón Province, a Costarican man surnamed Zúńiga-Zamora was arrested due to allegedly breaking the quarantine order. The man was accused by the Prosecutor's Office for the alleged crime of disobeying authority. Then a judge ordered a pre-trial arrest warrant at his home until April 18. According to the information provided by the Prosecutor, Zúńiga arrived from Mexico on Friday, April 3. He was ordered to remain in his house in quarantine. It is alleged that the suspect did not respect the order and left his home. Zúńiga was located on Monday when he was outside his home in the Guápiles community when he was detained by the police. Now the suspect must pay the fine and stay in quarantine in his home. --------------------- Have you heard about any resident foreigner who has been rejected to enter the country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
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