Apr 3, 2025
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS), the employed population in Costa Rica increased by 120,000 people (+5.7%) in the last year, reaching 2.4 million workers. The employment rate rose to 52.9%, with significant progress in formalization (81,000 additional formal jobs) and a reduction in underemployment (2.8%).
Women benefited the most, with 86,000 new jobs, although a gender gap persists (41.5% female employment rate vs. 64.3% for men). Sectors such as professional activities and commerce led the way in job creation.
Operations in Santa Teresa, Puntarenas:
At the same time, authorities carried out inspections of businesses in Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, detecting foreigners working without work permits (mainly Argentinian) and non-compliance with insurance, minimum wage, and occupational health regulations. Forty people were summoned to regularize their immigration status, and it was announced that the operations will continue in other areas of the country to combat informality.
The government highlighted the role of platforms like Brete.cr (with 7,567 active vacancies) and training programs (e.g., EMPLEATE in Guanacaste) in promoting formal employment. Despite growth, unemployment remains at 7%, with 168,000 people seeking work. It is worth noting that our society currently faces challenges such as youth integration into the workforce (the youth unemployment rate has dropped to 20.8%).
While Costa Rica celebrates progress in employment and equity, the operations in Santa Teresa de Cóbano reflect the pending challenges in labor formalization and migration, key issues for consolidating economic recovery.