Migration

The lack of formal economic activities in Nicaragua has prompted many individuals to emigrate to Costa Rica. Women and men leave their families and cross the border, often times without documents, in hopes of improving their economic situation. In Costa Rica, they confront discrimination, poor pay, and violations of basic labor and human rights. Despite the difficult situations they confront in Costa Rica, this is the only alternative for many Nicaraguans.

There are currently an estimated 500,000 Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica. The recent declaration by Costa Rica's Ministry of Labor that the country needs an additional 120,000 workers over the next three years, has prompted a new wave of Migration. Some Nicaraguans will be granted temporary work permits if they can pay a $120 fee, others will take the risk of crossing the border without permission.

Migrating to Costa Rica is the only way for many Nicaraguans to earn a living and support their families. The money they make in Costa Rica is enough to support themselves and send money back home. However, the social and economic impacts of migration are great. As most migrants are young, Nicaragua loses a large supply of its future workforce, further limiting the economic opportunities of the country. Families are divided. Men leave their families to go and work, and some never return. Women leave their children with family members for years at a time. Children suffer the most, being divided from their parents and sometimes neglected by their caretakers. Without the support of both of their parents, depression, abanonment of their studies, and high-risk behavior is sometimes the result. . The social marginalization and violation of basic rights faced by Nicaraguans in Costa Rica has profound emotional impacts as well.

Reducing the impacts of migration is necessary. The creation of new economic opportunities in Nicaragua is the only way to slow this migration and the associated impacts. Projects that include vocational training, support for small and home businesses, and micro-loans can help generate much needed income for Nicaraguans. Programs for youth and families, including academic support, counseling, and self-esteem building activities also help to mitigate some of the associated impacts of migration.