Costa Rica Receives First Group of Third-Country Migrants Under U.S. Agreement ⋆ The Costa Rica News

On April 11, 2026, the first flight carrying migrants from the United States landed at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José. This arrival marks the official activation of the  Migration Cooperation Agreement signed between the administration of President Rodrigo Chaves and the U.S. government earlier this year.

The group consisted of 25 foreign nationals from diverse regions, including Central America (Guatemala and Honduras), Asia (China and India), and Africa (Kenya, Cameroon, and Albania). One Costa Rican citizen was also part of the flight.

Key Details of the Agreement

Unlike standard deportation procedures, this unique partnership establishes a specific legal framework for those arriving:

 Temporary Legal Status: Upon arrival, third-country nationals are granted a temporary regular migratory category. This allows them freedom of movement within Costa Rica while they evaluate their next steps.

 U.S. Financial Support:  Under the memorandum of understanding, the  United States government covers the costs  of transportation and initial logistics, easing the immediate financial burden on Costa Rican taxpayers.

 Autonomy in Selection:  Costa Rica maintains the right to review and approve individuals on a case-by-case basis before they are flown to the country.

 Available Paths for Migrants

Individuals arriving under this program generally have three options:

 1. Integration: Apply for residency or alternative legal status to remain and work in Costa Rica.

 2.  Assisted Return:  Join the  Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program, managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to return safely to their home countries.

 3.  Transit:  Depart Costa Rica independently toward a third country.

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