Police raids against undocumented
foreigners
Foreigners arrested in San Jose
In a surprise move against nights spots in
downtown San Jose, left 50 foreigners, the majority women, under arrest
for being in the country illegally.
The authorities will investigate their
cases for a possible deportation.
The operative organized between la Direccion de Migracion y Extranjeria,
the Fuerza Publica and Interpol, was underway between 9:15pm and 10:30pm
on Thursday December 19, in several night sports, where foreign workers
abound.
According to Marco Badilla, director of Immigration, the plan consisted of
verifying documentation of foreigners, which many lacked identification
and others presented documents that were of doubtful validity.
Most of the arrested were Colombians and
Dominicans; also there appeared to be Nicaraguan, Russian and Rumanian
nationals.
According to the authorities, all those arrested will have to show their
legal status in the country if they want to remain. Some tourist permits
were being used as work permits and were expired at the time.
Jacó Beach and other tourist areas also raided
A total of 12 foreign women was arrested the
night of December 28 by the Immigration authorities in an operative one in
Jacó Beach.
Detained were five Nicaraguans, five Colombians, a Canadian and a
Honduran, who were found working in nocturnal centers of the area. Six of
the foreigners had entered the country as tourists and had overstayed
their time. The other six alleged to have family ties in Costa Rica, but
they did not demonstrate it.
Interpol is collaborating in this season's raids, conducting background
checks on those detained for possible criminal charges elsewhere.
Immigration officials will continue their campaign throughout the month,
with routines raids of the usual night spots, searches on buses and
checkpoints in the northern and southern zones.
With the exception of few countries, most visitors can enter Costa Rica as
tourists with only a valid passport. North Americans and Europeans can
remain in the country for a period of 90 days, while the rest are
permitted a stay of 30 days.
It is recommended that you carry a copy of your passport and more
importantly the page where you entry stamp was placed, to show an
immigration official in the case of any doubt as to your legal status in
the country.
Should you lose or have your passport stolen, immediately contact your
embassy.
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