The Cuban government announced on Tuesday the extension of the validity of passports, from six to ten years for people over 16 years of age, and eliminated the requirement of having to extend the document every two.
Both are part of the measures announced in a thread on Twitter by Ernesto Soberon, general director of Consular Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad, which, in his words, “add to others, adopted during the last 45 years, aimed at facilitating Cuban trips abroad, their return to Cuba and increasing their participation in the political, economic and social life of their country of origin”. All of them will enter into force as of July 1, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. it’s a statement.
For minors, the validity is extended to five years. In addition, the price of the passport in the consulates is reduced, which is fixed at 180 dollars or euros for adults and 140 for minors.
The “time spent in Cuba by Cubans residing abroad and their foreign relatives” will also be equated. This means that the spouses and children of Cubans residing abroad will be able to stay on the Island for the same time as those nationals and will not have to adhere to the limit established for tourists.
“And how are those that had already been issued for six years? Do we have to take them out again so that they are 10 years old?”
Another of the new indications is that the use of the Cuban passport will be required to enter the Island for “emigrants” before January 1, 1971.
Meanwhile, the extension of stay abroad remains in force, “beyond 24 months, automatic and free of charge”, announced in March 2020, just when the covid-19 pandemic began.
Prolonging the stay outside the Island, without losing residence, is a long-sought achievement for Cuban migrants who, after 24 months, lose not only access to public Health and Education but also the right to maintain property on the island. Island.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated in his networks that these immigration measures “are the result of the permanent dialogue between the nation and its emigration,” to which some responded critically. “Are they going to continue banishing people for thinking differently? They don’t say anything about that,” wrote Magdiel Jorge Castro.
Nor did it take numerous responses from users to Soberón. “And how are those that had already been issued for six years? Do we have to take them out again so that they are 10 years old?” Fabián Sánchez asked, without receiving an answer.
Others were more critical, like Ismael González Cabrera: “You can put your measurements and your passports where they fit best. This is another strategy to continue plundering the exiles. I will not travel to Cuba while the PCC (Communist Party of Cuba) misgoverns my country”.
Some more opted for irony, such as Carlos B: “The water is already higher than the neck. When you give in, you are against the wall. There is less to go.”
________________________
Collaborate with our work:
The team of 14ymedio He is committed to doing serious journalism that reflects the reality of deep Cuba. Thank you for accompanying us on this long road. We invite you to continue supporting us, but this time becoming a member of our newspaper. Together we can continue transforming journalism in Cuba.
