Nicaragua’s exodus: Mobility for some – Impossibility for others

Over the past two decades, Nicaragua has experienced economic and political challenges. As President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, Vice President, have consolidated an authoritarian regime, what once seemed like an encouraging period of economic growth has quickly deteriorated.

The growing number of Nicaraguan emigrants reflects doubts in Ortega’s management. As the country remains one of the poorest in Latin America, few expect positive change in the short-term. This loss of hope has driven younger generations to migrate to countries such as Costa Rica, Panama and the United States where opportunities are greater. For example, in the United States, the total number of foreign-born Nicaraguan migrants was as high as 377,000 registered individuals (U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 ACS)[1] while Costa Rica’s total number of Nicaraguan asylum-seekers reached almost 200,000 individuals by late 2024 (UNHCR, 2024). Their mobility illustrates labor migration dynamics, particularly among low-skilled workers seeking better living conditions and hoping to be able to send remittances to stayed-at-home families in Nicaragua. The concept of mobility can be understood as an individual’s or a group’s movement from one place to another, either within the same area (internal) or across administrative borders (external). On the other hand, immobility refers to the absence of mobility in an individual’s or a group’s behavior, either willingly or not. Even though, these definitions may be adjusted depending on modalities, they can be considered sufficient in the context of this Op.Ed.

One factor facilitating this migration to nearby countries is the absence of a language barrier. Most Central American countries share Spanish as their official language. Meanwhile, tourism in Nicaragua has grown in recent years, especially among travelers crossing the continent. Although tourism remains modest, this influx has provided new life to local businesses and encouraged the development of English language skills among workers in the sector as well as among younger generations trying to hold on to tourism opportunities.

Another factor that has enhanced the mobility of some Nicaraguans was no less then digital networks as part of their mobility tools to prepare or even initially inspire them with the idea of migration itself. Indeed, social networks such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Tiktok or Youtube provide with information about how and where to migrate as well as testimonies and advice.

According to the World Bank’s Poverty & Equity Report (2023), about 14 percent of Nicaraguan households include adults without primary education. It is therefore unsurprising that many young people enter the labor market early. Although some public universities are tuition free, access remains limited because of a highly competitive atmosphere, while private universities are unaffordable for most families. The rising cost of urbanization further restricts access to education and social improvement. This lack of education, combined with poverty, prevents the very low income class to even think of emigration. Therefore, most will be burdened by immobility.

As a result, many Nicaraguans who can emigrate are being pushed away with remittances as the driver. A ‘driver’ can be described as a “factor that increases the likelihood that people will decide to leave their homes in search of a better life” according to Stephen Castles in his paper The Forces Driving Global Migration, Journal of Intercultural Studies (p.124). Indeed, remittances have become a vital source of household income. In 2024, remittances represented 27% of Nicaragua’s GDP (World Bank, 2025). This statistic underlines the fact that for many Nicaraguans, survival depends more on what is earned abroad than what is earned at home. The digitalization of the modern world is a key factor in understanding this percentage, as economic remittances have become significantly more efficient and accessible through online banking and mobile phone banking applications. Needless to explain how far more complex and limited it was before the digitalization of financial systems.

At the same time, Nicaragua is witnessing a growing influx of high-income foreign residents, such as in San Juan del Sur, located just 40 minutes from the Costa Rican border. The area has attracted wealthy investors and expatriates from countries including Australia and Costa Rica, drawn by its beaches and surf culture. These “luxury migrants” have contributed to rising real estate prices, further reinforcing inequalities and making it increasingly difficult for locals and indigenous populations to purchase land or even make a decent living.

One thing is certain, migration lies at the heart of Nicaragua’s current transformation. Despite enduring repression and disconcerting economic instability, the country has so far been able to avoid the rise in crime rates seen in its northern neighbor, Honduras. Nicaragua’s uncertainty may further drive international migration, as citizens seek stability and security abroad.

[1] Nicaragua’s total population was estimated to be 6.8 millions of people in 2023 (World Bank Group databank).