The Governments of the United States and Costa Rica announce an exploratory six-month implementation phase of the Movilidad Segura (Save Migration in the English language) initiative.

According to the General Directorate of Migration, the plan was launched on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection and "represents the strong bilateral partnership between Costa Rica and the U. S."

 

This initiative will facilitate access to lawful pathways to the United States and other countries, including expedited refugee processing and other humanitarian and labor pathways. 

During the exploratory phase, the plan services will be limited to Nicaraguan and Venezuelan nationals, who can prove that they were physically present in Costa Rica before June 12, 2023, and who are currently registered as asylum seekers.

However, individuals who enter Costa Rica after that date will not be eligible for this initiative. 

In the case of individuals who enter Costa Rica irregularly after June 12, 2023, may be subject to return to their home country if they do not have a legal basis to remain in Costa Rica, authorities said.

Similarly will happen to those who continue and attempt to cross the U.S. Southwest border unlawfully. "They will face stiff consequences, including a potential five-year bar to admission and removal to one’s home country," authorities added.

In the first two months of the exploratory phase, only eligible individuals will be contacted to schedule a screening appointment at a Movilidad Segura Office branched in Costa Rica to assess whether they are qualified candidates for lawful pathways to the United States or other countries. 

Following the first two months, eligible individuals, who have entered Costa Rica before June 12, 2023, will be required to make a screening appointment online at the Movilidad Segura website.

Individuals will not be able to request an appointment in person at a Movilidad Segura office, they said.

"The United States and Costa Rica reaffirm their commitment to work with all countries across the region to promote the integration of refugees and migrants, expand lawful pathways, and promote humane border management," said the U.S. Department of State in its statement.

Recently, the European Union and Costa Rica signed a cooperation agreement for more than $14.9 million to support programs for refugees and migration, among others.

Costa Rica has focused on being considered an asset of Humanitarian Aid to be able to face the various migratory crises that the country has been experiencing for several years. This has created strong pressure on the social services of health and education, authorities said.

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