Costa Rica has agreed to act as a “bridge” for the repatriation of illegal immigrants in the US, including individuals from India and Central Asia, according to an official release on Tuesday.
The first group of 200 migrants is set to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport on a commercial flight on Wednesday, as stated by Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles’ office.
“The Government of Costa Rica agreed to collaborate with the United States in the repatriation of 200 illegal immigrants to their country. These are people originating from countries in central Asia and India,” the statement read.
However, the release did not specify how many of the migrants are from India.
“Costa Rica will serve as a bridge for them to reach their countries of origin,” it further stated.
Before their repatriation, the immigrants will be housed in a temporary migrant care facility in Costa Rica.
The repatriation effort, funded by the US, is being overseen by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which will ensure the migrants’ care during their stay in the country, according to the statement.
This development follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US, where he met President Donald Trump to discuss key bilateral matters, including immigration.
As part of the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration, three batches totaling 332 Indians have already been deported to India.
With inputs from PTI