From farm fields to bus routes, migrant workers help keep Costa Rica's economy and essential services running. During an official visit concluding today, Director General Amy Pope reaffirmed IOM's partnership with the Government of Costa Rica to expand well-managed labour migration that supports economic growth, protects workers and strengthens regional cooperation.
"Behind every migration policy are real people - workers, parents and families trying to build a better future," said DG Pope. "What Costa Rica shows is that when countries create safe, regular pathways for people to work, everyone benefits: workers, employers and communities. It's a practical approach that works."
The visit comes as Costa Rica continues to be recognized internationally for its leadership in migration governance and its commitment to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Discussions with the country's new administration focused on labour mobility, regional cooperation and evidence-based approaches to managing migration across one of the world's most dynamic migration corridors.
At the centre of those discussions are the people whose work supports key sectors of the economy: agricultural workers from Panama and Nicaragua, Salvadoran bus drivers, and thousands of others who contribute their skills through regular migration pathways while maintaining strong ties to their countries of origin. A pilot labour mobility initiative between Costa Rica and El Salvador facilitated the recruitment of 12 Salvadoran bus drivers with IOM's technical support - a model that could be scaled up to help address an estimated shortage of more than 1,500 drivers in Costa Rica, while expanding regular labour mobility opportunities across the region, including for Costa Ricans seeking employment abroad.
Labour migration was a key focus of the visit. Costa Rica's efforts to work with employers and government institutions to regularize temporary workers in agriculture, transportation and other sectors are helping address labour needs while expanding opportunities for migrant workers. Between 2025 and 2026, more than 15,000 agricultural migrant workers obtained temporary work permits through the Migrant Labour Traceability System (SITLAM), developed by IOM, and more than 500 companies received support to recruit migrant workers through labor inclusion programs. As the country advances toward high-income status, these pathways are increasingly contributing to productivity, economic development and social cohesion.
DG Pope also highlighted IOM's support to Costa Rica across a range of migration priorities, including labour mobility programmes, migrant integration, voluntary return and reintegration assistance, and data-driven approaches to migration governance and border management.
The visit reaffirmed IOM's commitment to supporting Costa Rica as it continues to translate migration policy into practical solutions that benefit migrants, communities and economies. Costa Rica's experience demonstrates how safe, orderly and regular migration, backed by political commitment and strong partnerships, can deliver positive outcomes for all.
