Costa Rica received the first flight with 25 migrants deported from the United Statescoming from various regions of Asia, Africa and Central Americaas part of a cooperation agreement that contemplates humanitarian assistance and temporary immigration options for those transferred.
On Saturday April 11, Costa Rica received in San José 25 migrants deported from the United Statesoriginating from countries like Albania, Cameroon, China, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Kenya and Moroccoas well as a Costa Rican. The transfer was carried out within the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding signed on March 23through which the Central American country can accept or reject individual cases, while the US finances the operation and guarantees standards of human rights.
Humanitarian care and first measures
Upon arrival, migrants were attended to by the Professional Immigration Police and the International Organization for Migration (IOM)which gives them lodging, food and humanitarian assistance for seven days.
The authorities reported that migrants will be able to choose three routes:
- Assisted voluntary return
- Refugee application
- Temporary immigration regularization for humanitarian reasons
As part of the operation, Costa Rica had to make immigration requirements more flexible. HE visa exempt to citizens of several countries—including China, India and Morocco—and, in the case of Hondurasthe police record requirement was eliminated.
The group was made up by people from different regions, reflecting the global scope of the deportations. Among the countries of origin are:
Albania, Cameroon, China, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Kenya and Morocco.
Furthermore, on the flight he was traveling a Costa Rican citizenas confirmed by the immigration authorities.
This type of transfer implies that Costa Rica functions as a temporary receiving country for migrants who are not US citizens.
Immigration agreement with the US: scope and conditions
The transfer is part of a non-binding immigration agreement signed on March 23 between the president Rodrigo Chaves and United States authorities.
The agreement establishes that:
- Costa Rica can accept or reject each case independently.
- The US is committed to finance the operation.
- It must be guaranteed respect for human rightsincluding protection against return to countries where migrants face risk or persecution.
Furthermore, the agreement contemplates the possibility of receiving up to 25 deportees per weekwho would obtain a temporary legal status while your situation is defined.
Background and regional context
Costa Rica had already participated in similar operations in 2025, when it received:
- A flight with 135 migrants from countries like Afghanistan, Iran and Russia.
- another with 65 peopleincluding 16 minors.
The arrival of this new group occurs in a context of tightening of immigration policies in the United Statescharacterized by an increase in deportations and raidsas well as the implementation of agreements with third countries to manage migratory flows.
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