The government and the Truck Drivers Union of the National Association of Public and Private Employees (ANEP) finally reached an agreement.
Some of the requests by the union was the imposition of a 20% tax on the value of the freight for foreign truckers, who come from the rest of Central America and offer their services to companies established in Costa Rica. They also wanted a reduction of the period said drivers are allowed to stay in the country.
John Fonseca, deputy minister of COMEX and representative of the government, commented that following Tuesday’s meeting, they assessed the sector’s requests and possible alternatives.
Albino Vargas, Secretary General of ANEP, explained some of the measures of the agreement:
-Adapting the maximum residence permit for foreign drivers to 3 months, without the possibility of extending it to 6 months.
-Proposing the negotiation of the Cauca 5 and Recauca 5, to review the possibility of reducing the permit for transport units to stay in the country.
-Promoting a reform of the current rate of 15% of income tax to nonresidents who provide the service.
-Signing an agreement for the evaluation of the joint operations between Traffic Police, Tax Police and Public Force, to identify the illegal permanence of foreign truck drivers.
-Commitment to verify the fulfillment of the international migratory commitments, specifically regarding the unequal development of Costa Rican truck drivers.
Marcos Murcia, president of the union, said he was happy with the government and that they will follow up on the process to verify compliance with the agreed measures.