AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Tech Modernization: Juan Santamaría Airport rolled out its first biometric eGates, letting adult Costa Rican travelers with biometric passports clear immigration in seconds via facial recognition, with staff supervision and plans to expand to more users and even departures. Public Administration Accountability: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance has started an administrative process that could lead to dismissals of 36 officials accused of “faking” remote work by using software that kept computers appearing active. Politics & Public Trust: A new UCR/CIEP-UCR survey says 84% of Costa Ricans believe former President Rodrigo Chaves still influences President Laura Fernández’s decisions during her first 100 days. Misinformation Oversight: Meta’s Oversight Board urged the company not to replace professional fact-checking with Community Notes as Meta tests the system across 16 Spanish-speaking countries, including Costa Rica. Local Governance Funding: Magnolia commissioners held a public hearing on a $950,000 Community Development Block Grant aimed at home rehabilitation for low-to-moderate income, owner-occupied households. Culture & Diplomacy: Qatar is the guest of honor at the Costa Rica Reading Festival in San José, with a dedicated pavilion and cultural programming.

Airport Modernization: Juan Santamaría International Airport rolled out its first biometric eGates, letting adult Costa Rican travelers with biometric passports clear immigration in seconds via facial recognition, with accessibility support and Immigration officers supervising; Public Opinion on Power: A new UCR/CIEP-UCR survey says 84% of Costa Ricans believe former President Rodrigo Chaves still influences President Laura Fernández’s first 100 days, while Fernández denies a “two-headed government”; Jobs & Business Impact: Western Union plans to shrink its Costa Rica operations center over the next year, with reports suggesting more than 1,000 jobs could be affected as support functions shift to other countries; Digital Verification & Travel: Meta begins testing Community Notes in multiple Latin American countries including Costa Rica, expanding beyond the U.S.; Regional Security Diplomacy: Peru joined the “Shield of the Americas” coalition promoted by the U.S. to coordinate action against transnational criminal groups, with Costa Rica already among the original members.

Democratic Backsliding Watch: Nicaragua closed its embassy in the Dominican Republic, a fresh rupture that underscores Daniel Ortega’s tightening authoritarian grip and widens the region’s democracy divide. Costa Rica Politics & Power: A new UCR/CIEP-UCR survey says 84% of Costa Ricans believe former President Rodrigo Chaves still influences President Laura Fernández’s first 100 days, despite Fernández denying a “two-headed” government. Public Safety & Oversight: Costa Rica lawmakers challenged reduced 2027 funding for earthquake/volcano/weather monitoring networks after a 5.5 quake near Uvita triggered aftershocks, raising fears of gaps in emergency readiness. Tech & Information Integrity: Meta is testing Community Notes in multiple Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, as fact-checking groups warn it could replace independent verification. Economy & Daily Life: Oil prices climbed back above $100 a barrel, putting Costa Rica’s fuel costs on track to rise. Immigration Enforcement: Costa Rica immigration police arrested a migration employee in a residency-record manipulation scheme tied to a suspected criminal network in Limón.

Costa Rica Politics & Economy: President Laura Fernández rejected calls to artificially control the dollar’s exchange rate, saying her administration won’t peg it and pointing to employment, tourism and investment data. Power Dynamics in Government: A CIEP-UCR survey found 64.4% of Costa Ricans believe former president Rodrigo Chaves still has “a lot of influence” over Fernández’s decisions, fueling talk of “dual presidentialism.” Judiciary Clash: Rodrigo Chaves escalated his attacks on judicial independence by adding former president Miguel Ángel Rodríguez to his “hit list,” alleging he was “bought off” after acquittals. Tech & Media Oversight: Meta began testing Community Notes in multiple Latin American countries including Costa Rica, while regional fact-checkers warned it could replace independent verification. Social Protection Capacity: ECLAC hosted a workshop to strengthen Haiti’s MAST systems, drawing on experiences from Costa Rica and other countries. Health & Travel: A report notes chikungunya cases in the U.S. are travel-linked only so far, shifting risk to trip planning and mosquito precautions. Indigenous Rights: A new piece highlights Boruca Peoples’ pushback against governance through ADIs and calls it “institutionalist racism.” Business/Healthcare: Nanox announced a Costa Rica distribution deal for its Nanox.ARC imaging system via SOLME.

Chaves vs. the Judiciary: President Rodrigo Chaves escalated his attacks on judicial independence, adding former president Miguel Ángel Rodríguez to his “hit list,” insinuating he was “bought off” after acquittals tied to legal cases. Exchange-rate stance: President Laura Fernández rejected calls to artificially control the dollar, saying her administration won’t peg the currency and pointing to jobs, tourism, and investment data. Power perception in the Fernández era: A new CIEP-UCR survey finds 64.4% of Costa Ricans believe Chaves still has a lot of influence over Fernández’s decisions, fueling talk of “dual presidentialism.” Local rights and inclusion: A major disability rights case is set for oral arguments at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, spotlighting the harms of long-term institutionalization. Citizenship at the border: Guidance for Costa Ricans returning with children born abroad explains why minors may need an exit permit tied to their Costa Rican citizenship status. Health and environment: UCR researchers used cameras to study nurse sharks in Guanacaste, while separate reporting highlights mangrove restoration progress and what’s driving recovery.

Government & Public Trust: Costa Rica’s President Laura Fernández marks her first 100 days with a solid but lower-than-expected approval: 64% rate her performance positively, while 59% approve of the government as an institution—many voters still believe Rodrigo Chaves is “still calling the shots.” Security & Accountability: A new commentary questions why the current presidential security posture at Casa Presidencial appears unprecedented in modern Costa Rican history, spotlighting who is being protected and who is accountable. Immigration & Borders: Costa Rica rolled out its first biometric eGates at Juan Santamaría Airport, aiming to speed eligible travelers through automated facial matching. Digital Rights & Media: Meta has started testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, as it moves away from professional fact-checking—drawing sharp criticism from the International Fact-Checking Network. Public Safety: MOPT reports 425 road deaths through August, with motorcyclists making up 58% of fatalities. Environment & Enforcement: Authorities detained two people for allegedly stealing 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs during Ostional’s arribada. International Tech Policy: India endorsed a 6G Leadership and Security call to action, listing Costa Rica among participating governments.

Big Tech & Media Integrity: Meta has started testing “Community Notes” in 16 Spanish-speaking countries, including Costa Rica, as it moves to replace its professional fact-checking model with crowdsourced context on Facebook, Instagram and Threads—while independent fact-checking continues during the trial. Public Health: The U.S. CDC updated its global travel notice after unusual dengue upticks, flagging higher risk for travelers returning from Costa Rica and other countries, urging strict mosquito-bite prevention. Migration & Asylum: New figures show Costa Ricans increasingly file asylum applications abroad, with the U.S. receiving about three-quarters of cases—raising fresh questions about what’s driving the surge. Education: OECD PISA 2025 results show 15-year-olds reading, math and science at the lowest levels since 2000, with screen time and AI use linked to weaker performance. Local Environment & Community Power: A new Fundación MarViva report argues Gulf of Nicoya communities should gain real decision-making power over marine protection, citing governance gaps and pressure from illegal fishing and climate impacts. Sports (Costa Rica in focus): Costa Rica is grouped in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup alongside North Korea and others, with matches starting Sept. 10.

Judicial Oversight: Costa Rica’s Supreme Court (Corte Plena) has ordered a review of the rules judges use to decide whether suspects stay jailed or get restrictions while cases proceed, after corruption-linked arrests involving judges and an OIJ official tied to the “Diablo” network raised concerns about whether current tools fit organized-crime cases. Infrastructure & Mobility: Work has started on a new bridge over the Torres River on Route 39 (La Uruca) to replace aging drainage and expand the busy corridor from four to six lanes, with traffic kept open during construction. Volcano Watch: Rincón de la Vieja erupted again, sending a plume about 1,000 meters above the crater; authorities kept a green alert for nearby communities and warned residents to avoid riverbeds due to lahar risk. Local Governance & the Sea: Fundación MarViva is pushing for greater decision-making power for Gulf of Nicoya communities, backing a participatory governance approach to tackle illegal fishing and enforcement gaps. Political Climate: A ULatina study says political violence against women is surging in the first 100 days of Laura Fernández’s administration, with most negative online comments focused on personal attacks rather than policy.

Costa Rica–U.S. Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that U.S. ground operations in Costa Rica could be “very beneficial” against transnational crime, drugs, and terrorism, while stressing any such move would require legislative approval. Regional Justice Cooperation: The European Commission proposed new Eurojust partnerships with Costa Rica and others to boost cross-border court and prosecutor cooperation against organized crime. Border & Travel Costs: Visa and Duty Free Americas extended and expanded its partnership, adding benefits at DFA’s Paso Canoas border store between Panama and Costa Rica. Public Health & Youth: Costa Rica’s CCSS data show vaping-related disorder visits heavily involve ages 10–19, as a key nicotine/flavor regulation is delayed until August 2027. Economy Watch: Costa Rica’s inflation turned negative again in August (-0.11% monthly), but the report notes many shoppers still don’t feel price drops. Education Signal: OECD PISA 2025 results show 15-year-olds in Colombia reading and math skills at the weakest levels in years, raising alarm for future workforce readiness.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that U.S. ground operations against transnational crime could be “very beneficial” for national security, while stressing any such move would require Costa Rican legislative approval. Nicaragua Democracy Clash: Costa Rica’s foreign ministry renewed its “deep concern” over Nicaragua’s democratic backsliding after constitutional changes restricting opposition and electoral participation, prompting a sharp response from Managua rejecting “interference.” EU Judicial Cooperation: The European Commission proposed new Eurojust partnerships with Costa Rica and other countries to boost cross-border cooperation against organized crime, cybercrime, and money laundering. Coastal Cost Pressure: A UNA/Idespo study says most coastal residents feel prices have surged—over 80% for food and daily goods, and 85% for coastal property sales, with Guanacaste highlighted. VAT on Digital Services: Costa Rica expanded its 13% VAT register for foreign digital platforms, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and others—so charges will rise on card statements starting Tuesday. Mining Fight in Crucitas: Costa Rica’s geologists’ association is pushing for a referendum on gold mining in Crucitas, arguing lawmakers haven’t stopped illegal extraction and environmental harm. Public Health Rule Delay: CCSS data shows vaping-related medical visits in 2025 heavily involved ages 10–19, as a key nicotine/flavor regulation is postponed until August 2027.

VAT Expansion: Costa Rica will start charging 13% VAT on foreign digital services from Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and other platforms, expanding the official register from 161 to 181 providers—banks will collect and remit the tax automatically. Mining Referendum Push: The Costa Rican Geologists’ association is calling for a public referendum on Crucitas gold mining, arguing lawmakers haven’t stopped illegal extraction and environmental harm, and urging repeal of the open-pit mining ban in Law 8904. U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández says U.S. ground operations could help national security only if they target shared goals and receive Legislative Assembly approval—she stresses nothing is currently planned. Cruise Tourism Forecast: Puntarenas expects about 150,000 cruise passengers in 2026–2027, with 72 ship visits, up from 64 last season, boosting local transport and tour demand. Business & Investment Branding: A new report highlights Costa Rica’s medical devices boom and broader “country brand” pitch to attract investors, citing legal certainty, sustainability and innovation.

VAT Overhaul for Digital Services: Costa Rica will start charging 13% VAT on Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and other foreign digital platforms, expanding the official register from 161 to 181 providers—banks will add the tax automatically at checkout. Mining Fight in Crucitas: Costa Rica’s geologists’ association is pushing for a referendum over gold mining in Crucitas, saying lawmakers haven’t stopped illegal extraction, pollution and organized crime, and arguing for a public vote even as the government debates regulated open-pit mining in Cutris. Cruise Tourism Boost for Puntarenas: INCOP projects about 150,000 cruise passengers for 2026–2027, up sharply from last season, with more port calls and a bigger hit for local transport, tours and shops. U.S. Ground Ops Debate: President Laura Fernández says any U.S. ground operations on Costa Rican soil would require Legislative Assembly approval, but could help if aimed at shared targets against transnational crime. Wildlife & Community Economy: A Southern Zone story highlights how communities are shifting from banana monoculture toward conservation-led tourism, while Ostional’s olive ridley arribada brings major seasonal nesting activity.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that any U.S. ground operations on Costa Rican soil could “obviously” benefit national security if they target transnational crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism—but she stressed there are no concrete plans and any deployment would need approval from the Legislative Assembly. Migration & Deportations: A Guyana–U.S. framework will temporarily receive a limited, vetted number of “skilled” and “non-criminal” third-country deportees via IOM, with Guyana able to reject individual cases. Public Health Across Borders: A cross-border kidney crisis linked to Mesoamerican nephropathy is affecting workers from Costa Rica to Guatemala and also shows up among Central Americans in the U.S., with heat stress and agrochemical exposure cited as likely factors. Tourism Push: Puntarenas is expecting a major cruise jump—about 150,000 passengers in 2026–2027—boosting local businesses around port visits. Culture & Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Jerusalem office upgrade to a full embassy remains under review, not finalized. Environment: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving for a major Ostional arribada, with the biggest nights often in September–November.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández said U.S. ground operations could “very beneficial” for national security against transnational crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism—but stressed there are no concrete plans and any deployment would need legislative approval. Diplomacy Watch: Fernández also clarified her government hasn’t finalized whether to upgrade Costa Rica’s Jerusalem office to a full embassy, keeping the decision under review. UN Human Rights Agenda: The UN General Assembly unanimously approved Nov. 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, with Costa Rica among the co-sponsors. Immigration Enforcement Pressure: A report on ICE “third-country” deportations says Costa Rica has received hundreds of people transferred to El Salvador and other destinations, raising concerns about asylum strain and people being stranded far from home. Local Infrastructure: The Brasil de Santa Ana district council urged MOPT to fast-track safety upgrades at the Piedades interchange, backing the already-reviewed roundabout plan while arguing an overpass would be ideal. Environment & Tourism: UNED and SINAC renewed efforts to seek UNESCO Global Geopark status for Chirripó, aiming to protect geological heritage and spread tourism benefits.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters the U.S. could help national security through ground operations aimed at transnational crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism—but said there are no concrete plans and any deployment would need legislative approval. Diplomacy Watch: Fernández also clarified her government has not finalized whether to upgrade Costa Rica’s Jerusalem office to a full embassy, keeping the decision under review. Legal/Immigration Pressure: Costa Rica’s Attorney General’s Office issued an immigration alert for former legislator Pilar Cisneros, saying it couldn’t serve her summons at home or by phone and tried multiple times to locate her. Local Infrastructure: The Brasil de Santa Ana district council urged MOPT to fast-track safety upgrades at the Piedades interchange, arguing for an overpass or at least moving forward with an already reviewed roundabout plan. Environment & Wildlife: Costa Rica’s Ostional refuge saw one of the year’s biggest olive ridley arribadas, with thousands nesting as the peak season window opens. Housing Costs: A new study says 81.4% of Costa Rican renter households face major barriers to buying a home, largely due to income vs. financing requirements.

Security & U.S. Relations: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that U.S. ground operations in Costa Rica could “very beneficial” for national security against transnational crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism—but said there are no concrete plans and any move would need legislative approval. She also stressed her government is not considering a state of emergency despite record violence pressures. Diplomacy: Fernández said her decision on upgrading Costa Rica’s Jerusalem office to a full embassy is still under review, not finalized. Human Rights: The UN General Assembly adopted an annual observance to eliminate child marriage, setting Nov. 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage; Costa Rica is among the co-sponsors. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The Brasil de Santa Ana district council urged MOPT to fast-track safety upgrades at the Piedades interchange, backing a faster roundabout plan over restarting with an overpass study. Housing: A new Costa Rica study finds renters face major barriers to buying homes, with 81.4% of renter households facing exclusion or restrictions under current financing conditions.