Costa Rica launches the III National Integration Plan and the Protocol for the Protection and Assistance of Migrants

The Costa Rican Directorate General of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) and the MIEUX+ team jointly organized an event in San José on April 13, 2023.

The event was an opportunity to present the National Integration Plan 2023-2027 and the Migrant Protection and Assistance Protocol and to celebrate the upcoming closure of the fifth successful project between DGME and MIEUX+.

The collaboration with DGME has seen MIEUX+ support the Government of Costa Rica on migration issues with the development of now three National Integration Plans, the Protocol for assistance to migrants in emergency situations, and also a training course on Human Trafficking issues for more than 580 public officials and NGO staff.

The National Integration Plan 2023 – 2027

Costa Rica is a key transit country on the Central American route, with South-North flows to the U.S. and North-South flows from Nicaragua. In addition, its favorable economic development and political stability have made the country an attractive destination for migrants seeking to settle permanently, but also for seasonal and circular migrants, including women, children, and indigenous and Afro-descendant populations.

This variety of profiles requires holistic, data-driven and rights-based efforts to mobilize migratory movements as a force for development.

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Costa Rica’s migration profile and the exceptional challenges intensified by Covid-19 prompted the national authorities to develop a new plan to ensure orderly, safe and regular migration, as well as a protocol for emergency situations, inspired by European and regional best practices, through their collaboration with the MIEUX+ initiative.

Over the past 12 months, the development of the III NIP brought together stakeholders from multiple sectors to address the integration challenges facing Costa Rica in light of an increasingly complex migration situation in recent years. Its priority was to reinforce the Plan’s holistic approach, based on diversity as a value and driver of socioeconomic development, while incorporating new stakeholders such as municipalities and the private sector.

Thus, the National Integration Plan 2023-2027 proposes to promote positive change by streamlining the integration of migrants and Costa Ricans through 6 strategic pillars: Education, Health, Maximizing diversity, Combating vulnerability and Strengthening inter-institutional coordination.

Similarly, the Protocol for the Protection and Assistance to Migrants in Crisis Situations will strengthen Costa Rica’s comprehensive response to protect and assist migrant populations, especially during crises, such as the COVID-19 emergency.

More information: European Union Delegation to Costa Rica