The Cuban government relaxes regulations for self-employment after a wave of criticism

This December 7, the new measures come into force. The Government has relaxed some of the regulations it approved last June.

| 05/12/2018 - 7:46pm (GMT-5)

This article is from 5 years ago

The Cuban Government has modified some of the measures for the private sector that will come into force next Friday December 7, the Cuban Minister of Labor and Social Security, Margarita González, reported today.

The new regulations would somewhat soften the rigid measures issued last June. Now self-employed workers will be able to carry out more than one activity, that is, the same person will be authorized to request more than one license.

Likewise, the limit of 50 seats for cafes, bars and private restaurants will be eliminated. "The capacities will correspond to the size of the premises," González explained.

Capture of the resolution published in the Gazette

The Cuban government had announced “20 legal norms grouped in several decrees, as well as 14 complementary resolutions” to regulate the exercise of self-employment. These two limitations that were eliminated today were among the most controversial among the self-employed, who represent 13 percent of the workforce on the Island.

The decision to modify this rule "is based on the principle that there should be no differences between the state and non-state sectors, and in the former, multiple employment is permitted," González explained.

This Wednesday, officials from several ministries explained the new modifications and assured that "it had been a misinterpretation of the measures" announced a few months ago.

As part of the new regulations, bakers, candy makers, and self-employed workers with alcoholic beverage licenses will require a health license from the Ministry of Public Health.

They also assured that the licenses that will be suspended are those of "computer equipment programmer."

Despite the discontent among private drivers, the minister did not refer to the new regulations for the transport sector. Taxi drivers claim that the new measures are abusive and will limit their ability to choose routes and clients, negotiate rates and expand their business, which is why they have called for a strike starting next Friday.

You can download the complete document published this Wednesday in the Gazette through the following link.