The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) have established, through a program called Employment Integration (Intégrate al Empleo), that those companies who sign an agreement with these institutions will receive an economic incentive for each refugee they hire. This incentive is ₡500,000 colones (approximately USD$869) for each refugee employee they hire. This program is in response to the recent increase in the flow of Nicaraguans to Costa Rica, who have had to leave their country due to the current political situation in that neighboring country.

The companies wishing to participate in this program must be up to date with their tax and social obligations, as well as registered with the Costa Rican Social Security Administration (CCSS).

The program provides that the company's payroll must increase with these hirings, that is, there can be no substitutions of the company's current employees to grant work to the refugees. Only full time refugee hires are accepted.

The economic incentive will be given to the company in a single installment at the end of the three months following the hiring. If the refugees do not comply with the employment contract and must be dismissed before these three months, the company will not receive the money.

The Employment, Labor & Immigration Practice of Dentons Muñoz Costa Rica offers legal advice relating to:

  • Legislation review to determine the types of migratory categories applicable to companies and individuals
  • Legal opinions in reference to immigration matters
  • Practical and strategic tips to prevent future legal issues

Dentons is the world's first polycentric global law firm. A top 20 firm on the Acritas 2015 Global Elite Brand Index, the Firm is committed to challenging the status quo in delivering consistent and uncompromising quality and value in new and inventive ways. Driven to provide clients a competitive edge, and connected to the communities where its clients want to do business, Dentons knows that understanding local cultures is crucial to successfully completing a deal, resolving a dispute or solving a business challenge. Now the world's largest law firm, Dentons' global team builds agile, tailored solutions to meet the local, national and global needs of private and public clients of any size in more than 125 locations serving 50-plus countries. www.dentons.com.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.