GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION Migration and

GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATION AND IMMIGRATION Migration and Natural Disasters General Directorate of Migration and Immigration, Republic of Costa Rica

Vulnerabilities of Migrants • Lack of support networks in the society of destination • Loss of support networks in the society of origin • Deficient integration processes • Cultural and language barriers • Low socioeconomic levels • Irregular migration status and insufficient (or absence of) identification • Fear of contacting relevant institutions to request support • Informal labour or labour exploitation • Lack of access to social and health services • Precarious housing conditions or living in risk areas • Vulnerability based on gender, age, or disability

World Disasters Report 2012 Report Figures • 15 million displaced persons as a result of development projects • 43 million displaced persons as a result of conflict and violence • 73 million forced migrants • 49% of the forced migrants were women and boys, girls and adolescents • 15 million displaced persons as a result of natural and technological disasters • 46% of the boys, girls and adolescents were under 18 years of age • 2011 was the most expensive year in the past decade in regard to natural disasters – more than US$365. 5 billion.

The Experience of DGME: Costa Rica • Migration Amnesty Decree: due to Hurricane Mitch (1998) for Central American nationals. • General Migration and Immigration Act (Act No. 8764, March 1, 2010): Article 13 (Role of the General Directorate) 34) To repatriate Costa Rican nationals living abroad when deemed appropriate for humanitarian reasons, and to repatriate Costa Rican nationals declared dead abroad (…) Article 94 (Migration Categories): 12) Other categories, as deemed convenient by the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration for humanitarian reasons, in accordance with international human rights instruments and provisions of the Bylaws to this Act.

Immediate Emergency Actions • 2009: Cinchona Earthquake – Assistance to affected foreign nationals; – Identification of 232 Nicaraguan nationals to provide solutions for a legal stay. – 2010: Cerro Lajas, Escazú Landslide – Visits to shelters; – Identification of 194 foreign nationals, most of them with irregular migration status, linked to Costa Rican nationals; – Providing information on requirements and services, such as housing support, social assistance, etc. • 2012: Nicoya Earthquake – Visits and services through mobile units named “Migra. Móviles”.

Thank you! www. migracion. go. cr krodriguez@migracion. go. cr