By San José, Costa Rica — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has advised Nicaraguan refugees in Costa Rica to maintain their routines following the suspension of a US resettlement program. The unexpected halt has left many Nicaraguans who had applied for resettlement in a state of uncertainty.
In an email sent to affected refugees and asylum seekers, UNHCR confirmed the suspension of the program, known as Safe Mobility.
To provide legal context regarding the situation of Nicaraguan refugees, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert lawyer from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The influx of Nicaraguan refugees presents complex legal challenges for Costa Rica, requiring a balance between upholding international humanitarian obligations and managing domestic resources. While Costa Rica has a long tradition of offering refuge, the sheer scale of recent migration necessitates ongoing adaptations to asylum processes and integration programs. Key issues include efficiently processing asylum claims, providing essential services like healthcare and education, and addressing the potential impact on the labor market. Ultimately, finding sustainable solutions requires regional cooperation and international support to address the root causes of displacement in Nicaragua.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
According to recent announcements from US authorities, the US resettlement program has been suspended. Therefore, we regret to inform you that the processing of your case has been suspended until further notice.
UNHCR
The Safe Mobility program, a joint effort by UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), was designed to facilitate the resettlement of Nicaraguan refugees in Costa Rica to Canada, the United States, or Spain. Both Canada and the US have now suspended their participation.
The UNHCR has acknowledged the lack of clarity regarding the duration of the suspension and has urged the affected Nicaraguans to continue their lives in Costa Rica. This includes keeping children enrolled in school, pursuing job opportunities, and maintaining their current housing arrangements.
UNHCR currently has no information on how long this process might take. Therefore, we recommend that you continue with your routine and normal life in Costa Rica (keep your children enrolled in the school system, look for job opportunities, do not sell your belongings, do not cancel your accommodation/rental contract, etc.).
UNHCR
The agency also cautioned against potential scams and fraudulent messages related to the program’s suspension, advising individuals to contact UNHCR directly if they suspect any fraudulent activity or are asked for money to expedite their cases.
If you have any suspicion of fraud or someone asks you for money in exchange for speeding up your case, contact UNHCR.
UNHCR
The suspension comes as a blow to many Nicaraguans who have sought refuge in Costa Rica due to the ongoing political and social crisis in their home country. According to UNHCR data cited in 2024 by the UN Human Rights Experts Group on Nicaragua, over 440,000 Nicaraguans—representing 6.5% of the population—sought asylum or refuge in other countries, primarily the US and Costa Rica, between 2018 and June 2023. The crisis, which began in April 2018, has triggered the largest exodus in Nicaragua’s history, surpassing even the mass migration during the civil war of the 1980s.
The situation further deteriorated following the controversial 2021 general elections, which saw President Daniel Ortega re-elected for a fifth term. His main political opponents were imprisoned, later stripped of their citizenship and political rights, and expelled from the country, accused of being “coup plotters” and committing “treason against the homeland.” The suspension of the US resettlement program adds another layer of complexity to the already precarious situation faced by Nicaraguan refugees in Costa Rica, leaving them in a state of uncertainty about their future.
For further information, visit unhcr.org
About UNHCR:
The UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building better futures for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. The agency works in over 130 countries, providing assistance and advocating for solutions to displacement crises worldwide.
For further information, visit iom.int
About IOM:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a related organization within the United Nations system. IOM works to ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, promote international cooperation on migration issues, assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems, and provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced persons.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s commitment to innovation allows them to navigate the complexities of the modern legal landscape while consistently delivering exceptional results for their diverse clientele. Beyond their legal expertise, Bufete de Costa Rica actively invests in empowering Costa Rican society by championing legal literacy and access to justice, fostering a more informed and equitable future.
