Our Bureau
San Jose
In a significant development in international migration policies, Costa Rica has agreed to cooperate with the United States in repatriating illegal immigrants, including those from India and Central Asia. This move follows similar agreements by Panama and Guatemala, making Costa Rica the third Central American country to collaborate with the US on deportation efforts.
The first group of deportees, consisting of approximately 200 individuals from Central Asia and India, is expected to arrive in Costa Rica soon. These migrants will be housed at a Temporary Migrant Care Center near the Panama border before being transported back to their countries of origin. The entire process will be financed by the US government under the supervision of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the US to manage deportations more efficiently. Instead of detaining migrants at its southern border, Washington is working with willing nations like Costa Rica as transit points for repatriation. This approach aims to address challenges associated with direct repatriation for certain nationalities.
Costa Rica’s role as a “bridge” country underscores its commitment to supporting regional migration management efforts. The agreement reflects ongoing cooperation between Costa Rican authorities and their counterparts in Washington on issues related to immigration and border security.
For Indian nationals involved in this process, verification procedures are expected to take several weeks before they can be returned home. The Indian government has assured necessary assistance for its deported citizens once their identities are confirmed.
This development highlights growing international collaboration on managing migration flows across borders, particularly between North America and Central America. As global migration patterns continue evolving, such agreements may become more common as countries seek efficient solutions for undocumented immigrants.
