Starting this week Costa Rica will implement new regulations that will heavily fine employers that hire undocumented workers.  The initiative is meant to discourage the hiring of the estimated 60,000 foreigners living in the country and work undocumented.

Most of the undocumented in Costa Rica are from other parts of Latin America, especially Honduras and Nicaragua.  Employers face fines of up to $8,600 dollars or $4,327,200 colones.

Costa Rica has already implemented laws criminalizing immigrant smuggling and increased fees for anyone seeking legal residency – all in an effort to curb illegal immigration.  Though the country’s per capital income is $10,900 year and considered relatively low it is neighbors to some of Central America’s poorest countries including Nicaragua.