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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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”.

6. Thank you!