QCOSTARICA – Dozens tried to enter by force the Costa Rica Consulate in Managua, forcing the diplomatic centre to close one hour earlier this Wednesday, at 11:00am instead of 12 noon.
“We had to close early due to the disrespect that occurred this morning. People have to understand that Costa Rica is a country of rights, there are laws and procedures, Costa Rica not a pasture that anyone can come,” said Javier Sancho, Costa Rica’s Ambassador to Nicaragua.
People, despair to obtain a visa to travel to Costa Rica, become violent, some kicking doors, the official said.
According to Sancho, the number of people arriving at the Consulate on Wednesday was four times the normal, which is unusual for this time of year.
“Generally we process about 500 visas daily, however, today we had 2,000 people,” said the Ambassador, who said he was unaware of the cause of the influx, although most were seeking a work visa in Costa Rica.
The diplomat said the closure was to ensure the safety and security of the Consulate staff, “I cannot risk the life and limb of consular and diplomatic officials in Nicaragua,” said Sancho.
On Thursday, the Consulate is expected to open at the normal hour of 7:00am and if conditions permit will work the normal hours. “If there is disrespect will again close. If there is respect there are visas, if there is no respect there will be no visas for anybody,” said the official.
