Good news for expats! The implementation of the new immigration law that was to take effect in August has officially been delayed until at least December of 2007. Who really knows what changes to the law will remain after the Arias administration gets done evaluating and changing it?
But at least for now, there is no increase in the financial obligations for those applying for residency here. My advice to expats: Get your paperwork in as soon as possible to take advantage of the current situation!
The law was also set up to punish those involved with human trafficking and those who hire illegal immigrants. But the truth of the matter is, the country was no where near capable of implementing these changes. Basically, a lack of funds exist to enforce the law. According to Fernando Berrocal, the security minister, the amount of money that would be needed topped $14 million.
Seems pretty typical for Latin America. Grand ideas, no organization and no money!