Nicaraguan Families Flee to Europe Amid Crisis

Intermediate | October 24, 2025

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Nicaraguan Families Flee to Europe Amid Crisis: A Growing Exodus

Since mid‑2024, more than 50 families from Costa Rica have fled onward to Europe or North America, saying they no longer feel safe there, despite having already escaped Daniel Ortega’s government in Nicaragua. This growing movement of Nicaraguan families fleeing to Europe highlights the worsening security environment for political exiles. (reuters.com) These families say they were targeted by surveillance, threats, and even attacks by unidentified men, often on motorcycles or in unmarked cars. One exiled Nicaraguan explained: “We thought it was only a matter of time before we got killed.” (reuters.com)

What’s Behind the Nicaraguan Families Fleeing to Europe Trend?

After widespread protests in 2018, the Nicaraguan government has escalated its crackdown on political opponents and critics—both inside the country and abroad. A U.N. group of human‑rights experts reported that the state engages in transnational surveillance and harassment of exiles. (reuters.com) Costa Rica, once considered a safe haven, is no longer seen that way by Nicaraguan exiles who say they face serious threats even there. (reuters.com)

Why Europe? Why Now?

The families interviewed by Reuters said their options were limited. The U.S. tightened asylum rules, and other Central American countries are also unstable. (reuters.com) Language and easier asylum processing make countries like Spain especially attractive. But even in Europe, some exiles say they fear exposing their location publicly. (reuters.com)

How This Relates to Business‑English Skills

For professionals working in global NGOs, human‑rights fields, immigration services, or multinational companies, being able to talk about terms like “political exile”, “transnational repression”, and “safe haven” in English is important. Understanding real‑world dynamics like this helps you use accurate, business‑friendly language when discussing migration, risk, or geopolitics.

Vocabulary

Exile (noun) – the state of being forced to live in a foreign country, often for political reasons.
Example: Many Nicaraguan exiles left Costa Rica to seek safer countries in Europe.
Safe haven (noun) – a place where someone feels safe from danger or persecution.
Example: Costa Rica used to be a safe haven for exiles, but now some feel at risk.
Transnational (adjective) – operating or extending across national borders.
Example: The report said the government carried out transnational repression of critics abroad.
Surveillance (noun) – close observation by government or other authoritative actors.
Example: The exiles reported being under constant surveillance, even outside their home country.
Harassment (noun) – aggressive pressure or intimidation.
Example: Many said they faced harassment from unidentified men after fleeing Nicaragua.
Asylum (noun) – protection granted by a country to someone fleeing persecution.
Example: They sought asylum in Europe after feeling unsafe in Costa Rica.
Crackdown (noun) – a severe and strict enforcement of laws or policies.
Example: The government’s crackdown on protesters in 2018 sparked the initial wave of exiles.
Expose (verb) – to make known something hidden or risky.
Example: Even in Europe, exiles fear exposing their location for security reasons.
Limited options (noun phrase) – having few alternatives.
Example: With immigration routes closed, the families said they had limited options.
Attractive destination (noun phrase) – a place that draws people because of its benefits.
Example: Spain became an attractive destination due to its language and asylum ease.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What are the main reasons Nicaraguan families flee to Europe from Costa Rica?
How does “transnational repression” differ from domestic persecution?
Why might Europe still be seen as more secure than Central America for exiles?
What could be the business or economic impact of large migration flows for host countries?
How might companies or NGOs working internationally need to adjust their communication when dealing with such migration stories in English?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

In what ways can migration and asylum movements impact global businesses or supply chains?
What responsibilities do multinational companies have if political instability affects their staff or operations abroad?
How can professionals communicate issues of migration and safety clearly and sensitively in English?
How do you think language, culture, and policy differences affect the choice of destination for exiles?
If you were advising an international organization working in this field, how would you structure a training module in English for local staff about dealing with displaced persons?

Related Idiom or Phrase

“Between a rock and a hard place” – facing two difficult choices without a clear good option.
Example: These families were between a rock and a hard place—unsafe in Costa Rica and with limited routes ahead.

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This article was inspired by: Reuters