Costa Rico to accept Indian and Central Asian migrants from the US. | (Photo Courtesy: ANI)
Costa Rica: The Costa Rican government on Monday, February 17, officially announced that it will accept illegal immigrants from India and Central Asia. In a controversial move, undocumented immigrants were deported from the US as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on immigration.
According to a statement from the office of the Costa Rican President, the first flight carrying approximately 200 deported individuals from these regions is scheduled to arrive in the country on Wednesday, February 19.
Costa Rica Government’s Statement
The Costa Rican government’s decision comes after similar commitments were made by Panama and Guatemala, both of which agreed to cooperate with the US in facilitating repatriation of the deported migrants.
“The Government of Costa Rica agreed to collaborate with the United States in the repatriation of 200 illegal immigrants to their country. These are people originating from… Central Asia and India,” the official statement read.
“The process will be completely financed by the US government under the supervision of the International Organization for Migration (IOM),” it added.
By offering to receive these individuals, Costa Rica is aligning itself with regional efforts to manage immigration flows and support the reintegration of deported persons into their respective communities.
According to the statement, the first set of deportees will arrive in the country on a commercial flight. Later, they will be transferred to a Temporary Migrant Care Center near the Panama border.
What is a Repatriation Agreement?
A repatriation agreement is an official and legally binding document established between two nations or entities that defines the specific terms, conditions, and procedures for the return of individuals to their country of origin.
These individuals may include refugees, prisoners of war, or citizens residing abroad who are being sent back under structured and regulated circumstances. The agreement ensures that the repatriation process is conducted in a safe, organized, and lawful manner, safeguarding the rights of those being returned while also outlining the obligations and responsibilities of all involved parties.
It also serves as a framework to facilitate cooperation between governments or organizations, ensuring that repatriation efforts are carried out efficiently and in compliance with international laws and humanitarian principles.
The agreement is typically signed between the government of the receiving country and the sending country’s government or the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
