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New Immigration Law Passes 2nd Reading
Posted by Editor | August 5, 2009 | Categories: Government and Politics | 3 Comments
The details of the much talked about new immigration law are now basically final.
The measure was passed yesterday in what should be its final form. It will take effect six months after the administration publishes the law in La Gaceta so while there is some small measure of flexibility for when the government will implement it, the details are set.
The law is of great interest to the many ex-pats from North America and Europe who make their homes in the Puerto Viejo area as well as to the even greater number of Central American migrants from Nicaragua and other places.
Some of the highlights include:
- All residents will be required to join the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social as a condition of their residency.
- A new immigration police force will be formed out of the Fuerza Publica to enforce the provisions of the law
- Immigrants applying as pensionados (a status that allows a foreigner residency as a retiree but not to work) will now have to prove a monthly income of $1000US/month, up from $600. However, the part of the law that made that provision retroactive to pensionados already here was deleted so that worry was avoided.
- Immigrants applying as rentistas (a status that allows a foreigner residency and to work as a business owner or investor) will now have to prove a monthly income of $2500/month but this includes status for close family members.
- Police will now only be able to detain a person for a maximum of 24 hours while their immigration status is being verified.
The law does not address the issue of perpetual tourists, those who leave the country for 3 days every 90 days and then return for a new 90 day visa. Some in government had suggested a rule allowing a maximum of two 90 day stays per year.
More details: La Nación: Próximo Gobierno tendrá nueva ley migratoria
Comments
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under the pensionados category, is it $1000 per person or would that include the retiree and their spouse under that $1000/month income? It is not clear
what is happening whit status perputual tourist??
I am a new wouldbe exapt to CR, my plans are to spend a year in the country as tourist, then decide about the future. I am afraid that under the new laws to lose the advantage of the 72 hours border outing to be able to hang on my stay.
What should I do?