IOM study analyzes Nicaraguan mixed migration flows in Costa Rica

A study conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) between January and June 2019 assessed the living conditions of Nicaraguan migrants who have entered Costa Rica or applied for asylum since April 2018 and identified their primary needs.

The study was a response to the urgent needs of governmental institutions for detailed information about Nicaraguans who arrived in Costa Rica during this period.

The methodology combined three different approaches. First, quantitative information was collected through 491 surveys with Nicaraguan migrants; second, six focus groups aimed at specific populations of migrants were conducted in order to understand the needs of Nicaraguans more thoroughly; and finally, 14 interviews were conducted with representatives of key institutions and organizations to document the measures they have taken to assist migrants.

The study indicated that the mixed migration flows ares primarily made up of young men (42% of the surveyed population are men younger than 35) and single individuals (54%), who have attended university in many cases (47%). Additionally, the primary needs expressed were associated with income generation (82%), access to food (75%), and medical assistance (57%).

The social groups of Nicaraguans already living in Costa Rica or who arrived at the beginning of the mixed migration flows have been influential in the daily lives of Nicaraguan migrants who arrived in the country later. These personal networks have facilitated the sharing of information and access to goods and services such as housing and healthcare (for example, 20% of the people surveyed who have sought health-related assistance have turned to a relative or friend).

The study collected information about the primary institutions and organizations that work most closely with migrants (SOS Nicaragua, CENDEROS, RET International, the Institute of Mixed Social Support, and the General Directorate for Migration and Foreign Affairs), how this aid has been channeled, and about the inter-institutional work that has been done.

The investigation discovered that people’s needs are not determined by gender, employment status, educational level, or the canton where they live. There are many needs and it is essential to support the efforts already being made and to work in new and different directions to ensure the quality of life of Nicaraguans in Costa Rica.

“The study is important because it shows us the most basic and urgent needs of the Nicaraguan population, especially in terms of employment,” explained Angélica Madrigal, the IOM Costa Rica researcher directing the study. “It will be very helpful for Costa Rican institutions, which now have the data to be able to offer better services, and for the Nicaraguan population, which will benefit from better assistance with healthcare, education, work, and housing, among other areas.”

The study was conducted within the framework of the Regional Migration Program: Mesoamerica-The Caribbean of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Department of State of the Government of the United States, the Institute of Municipal Support and Advice (IFAM), and the State of the Region Project. You can view the document here [Spanish]: https://bit.ly/2ncpv6Q