The Cuban Yadira, a doctor by profession who currently lives in Denia, Alicante, published a video this Wednesday in which she responds to a comment that reproached her for "complaining" despite earning more than she did in Cuba.
The question posed in a previous post said: "In Cuba, you earn €200 a month, and in Spain, €12 an hour. What are you complaining about? You know what to do if you're not satisfied."
"Work honestly and ignore the comments. If they tell you to leave, work harder. Think of your drive, the one that pushes you to bring out the best in you. Don't turn back, keep moving forward; each day the goal gets closer," the doctor wrote as she shared her response, clarifying that she emigrated "out of necessity, not by choice," and that in Cuba she did not earn 200 euros, but "around €15 a month, which is equivalent to 5,500 Cuban pesos, my salary as a doctor when I left Cuba."
He added that he arrived in Spain a month ago, that he is grateful to have a job cleaning chalets —“maybe you will be the next one to come vacation here in Denia”— and that he is not ashamed of his current job: “I would do whatever it takes to bring food to my home, and I'm not going back either.”
In the same message, he urged other immigrants not to be discouraged by criticism: "There will always be those who criticize you, but I have never seen someone who has achieved much in their life criticize those who are just starting out. Generally, people who criticize do so because they have plenty of time on their hands, and if you think about it, they will never be winners. Focus on your goal and remember what motivated you to make that decision."
The post, shortly after being shared, has received supportive messages such as "Welcome to Spain, and your work is truly honorable" and "Your dreams will come true; you have the opportunity to validate your degree and achieve your goals," along with testimonials from other migrants affirming that "there is no shame in working" and that Spain has offered them "more than their country of origin."
The comment that triggered this response was left on a previous post, in which Yadira participated in a viral challenge among Cuban emigrants using the song No ha sido fácil by Pablo Milanés as a backdrop. Under the title: “What I was in Cuba vs what I am in Spain. From being a doctor to cleaning houses, but honored,” she wrote: “I join the challenge of what I was in my country vs what I am in Spain. Surprisingly, I live better here, I have peace, I have food, I have freedom, I have security. And if God allows it one day, I will be a doctor again.”
The post consists of a first image in which she appears in a white coat in an office, with the caption: “In Cuba: Doctor. Clothing seller. Made sweets. Whatever business came up to earn a little more.” The second image shows her in casual clothing with cleaning supplies, accompanied by the text: “In Spain: House cleaning and whatever it takes to get ahead.”
The post has garnered hundreds of comments. One user said: “You are a role model, and soon you will be wearing your white coat again.” Another message stated: “The work you do, as long as it is honorable, is to be praised.” Several advised her to start the process of credentialing her degree and assured her that in Spain “the efforts of doctors are indeed valued.”
A context of struggle to practice medicine
The situation described by Yadira is not isolated. Many Cuban doctors in Spain face lengthy processes to validate their degrees, which can sometimes extend over several years. Some, like Lisbet Peña González and Luis Enrique Ferrer Silva, have recently celebrated the opportunity to practice after more than a year of waiting, while others, like Sam Sabater, waited over three.
In addition to the administrative delay, some professionals are affected by the Cuban Ministry of Public Health's refusal to issue the "non-disqualification" certificate, a requirement for licensing. According to complaints from doctors and associations, this measure aims to punish those who emigrate without authorization, leaving them in precarious jobs despite their qualifications.
In this context, Yadira asserts that she does not regret her decision and that she will continue to work "honestly" until she achieves her goal of practicing medicine in Spain again.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Experience of Cuban Immigrants in Spain
Why did Yadira, a Cuban doctor, decide to emigrate to Spain?
Yadira emigrated to Spain out of necessity, not by choice. In her country, she earned about 15 euros a month as a doctor, which did not allow her to live with dignity. Although she currently works cleaning houses, she values the peace, food, and security she has found in Spain.
What challenges do Cuban doctors face in practicing in Spain?
Cuban doctors in Spain face lengthy processes to validate their degrees, which can take years. In addition, some encounter additional difficulties due to the refusal of the Cuban Ministry of Public Health to issue the "non-ineligibility" certificate, which is necessary for registration and practice in the country. This bureaucratic process is a significant obstacle to practicing their profession abroad.
How does Yadira respond to the criticism regarding her work situation in Spain?
Yadira responds to criticism with firmness and dignity, affirming that she works honestly and is not ashamed of her current job cleaning chalets. She emphasizes that her decision to emigrate was driven by necessity and that her goal is to have her medical degree recognized in order to practice again in her professional field.
What message does Yadira have for other Cuban emigrants facing criticism?
Yadira encourages other emigrants not to be defeated by criticism and to focus on their goals. She suggests that those who criticize are often people who have not achieved much in their lives. She advises not to retreat, to keep moving forward, and to remember the reason that motivated their decision to emigrate.
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