Since February 8th, Nicaragua has stopped allowing Cubans to enter without a visa. Over the years, Nicaragua has been one of the main routes for Cubans fleeing to the United States, and closing this channel could accelerate Cuba’s internal economic crisis.
The Nicaraguan government issued a statement confirming the suspension of visa exemptions for Cubans. This measure will effectively cut off the channel for Cubans trying to escape to the United States.
Sources revealed that the reason behind Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s decision might be pressure from the United States.
Due to years of sanctions imposed on Cuba by the United States, many Cubans have fled the country. It is relatively difficult for Cubans to obtain visas from other countries, and Nicaragua, which used to allow Cubans to enter without a visa, became a convenient escape route for them.
After entering Nicaragua, Cubans usually travel north under the guidance of smugglers, crossing through Central America to reach the U.S. border.
It is estimated that between 2021 and 2023, over 400,000 Cubans arrived at the U.S. border through Nicaragua, accounting for 3% to 4% of Cuba’s population.
The Ortega regime in Nicaragua has strained relations with the United States, often accusing the U.S. of “imperialist interference.” The two sides hold opposing views on issues regarding Venezuela and Cuba.
Both the Trump and Biden administrations have criticized Nicaraguan President Ortega and his wife, Vice President turned joint President Rosario Murillo, for allowing Cubans and other nationals to freely pass through Nicaragua, fueling illegal immigration.
The United States also accuses the Ortega government of undermining democracy, suppressing opposition, and imposing sanctions on Nicaraguan officials.
Ortega first served as Nicaragua’s president from 1985 to 1990 and began his second term in 2007, now extending over 19 years.
The international community widely perceives Nicaragua as being under “familial dictatorship,” with key government positions held by Ortega family members or loyalists.
Recently, the capture of Ortega’s ally, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, by U.S. special forces has intensified pressure on Ortega.
In January, the Nicaraguan government released dozens of prisoners after the U.S. demanded the release of over 60 political prisoners. This action mirrors Venezuela’s recent release of political prisoners under U.S. pressure.
At the end of January, Trump warned countries providing oil to Cuba of potential tariffs, worsening Cuba’s economic and energy crisis, potentially exacerbating the record-breaking influx of immigrants in recent years.
With the change in Nicaragua’s visa policy now, escaping Cuba will become more difficult for Cubans, who may have to resort to more costly methods or riskier routes.
Another escape route for Cubans is through the South American country of Guyana. However, departing from Guyana entails crossing through dangerous jungle areas.
The cancellation of visa exemptions for Cubans means a potential decrease in those leaving Cuba and remittances. Many Cuban families rely on remittances from overseas relatives for their livelihood. Reduced remittances will further diminish Cuba’s foreign exchange income, exacerbating the country’s already severe economic crisis that has persisted for decades.
(This article referenced reports from Reuters and The Associated Press)