What is the legal difference between the asylum seeker card and the its work permit card?

The asylum seeker card is the identity document of the refugee/asylum seeker. With this card, and obviously complying with the requirements of each procedure, it is possible to obtain a driver’s license, enroll in the Costa Rican social security system, obtain a bank account, enroll in a university, etc. This license is granted as soon as the application is received and if is considered admissible by the Administration.

The work permit card, theoretically and legally, is not an identity card, but a work permit. With this card you can look for a job and legally work as an employee, self-employed, etc. since you enjoy free condition for work. This card is issued 3 months after the refugee application is accepted and the asylum seeker card is issued.

Sometimes it is seen that a person applying for asylum refers to the administrative or social entities of the country, such as banks, with the work permit card and the entities refuse to provide the desired service. This is because the work permit card is not an identity document. Also, it is worth mentioning that it has been seen many times that even the entities in the country do not have enough information or desire to provide the service to the refugee seekers with the correct document. This may have broad reasons and should be analyzed in detail to know the legality of the decision of these entities.