Spain welcomes 41 Nicaraguan refugees under resettlement program

Spain has provided refuge to another 41 Nicaraguan nationals, who arrived on Wednesday from Costa Rica under the 2026 National Resettlement Program. The Ministry of Migrations coordinated their reception at Madrid airport and their placement into the National Reception System.

The operation involved 13 institutions and organizations, including the Office of Asylum and Refuge (OAR), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), AENA, security forces, border police, and the Red Cross. This collaborative effort highlights Spain's structured approach to managing refugee arrivals.

Pilar Cancela, the Deputy Minister of Migrations, emphasized that the program, which has a maximum annual capacity of 1,200 individuals, "reaffirms the will to continue strengthening resettlement mechanisms as a solid path for international protection of refugees, promoting their integration on equal terms and with dignity." This statement underscores Spain's ongoing commitment to providing safe haven.

Official data indicates that Spain has resettled 3,600 people over the past four years. In 2025, 817 refugees were resettled, with Nicaraguans making up 52% and Syrians accounting for 44.5%. This demographic breakdown highlights the specific focus on individuals fleeing their home countries.

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reaffirms the will to continue strengthening resettlement mechanisms as a solid path for international protection of refugees, promoting their integration on equal terms and with dignity.