Government maintains requirements for issuing passports to Cuban minors

The Cuban government maintained the requirements for issuing passports to minors, after thenew measures announced for the issuance of this identity document, reported the country's immigration authorities.

"The requirements in relation to minors have not been modified," he stated this Wednesday in the official programRound table the head of the Directorate of Identification, Immigration and Foreigners of the MININT (DIIE), colonelMario Mendez Mayedo.

The official stressed that “the requirements inpassports for minors have not changed. Among them, the notarized supporting documents of both parents to travel abroad are maintained, as well as theInstruction 79 of the Supreme Court for when one or both parents are not there, and guaranteeing the departure of the minor with certain requirements also remains in force.”

“The trip of minors abroad is something very protected and families understand it. And these changes in the physiognomy generated confusion at the borders,” reiterated the head of the DIIE.

He also explained that theage limit 16 years It is due to the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization for passports that, to the extent possible, are accepted by countries.

“At this moment ofchange and update of immigration measures"We see the opportune moment to correct that," he said.

Méndez Mayedo explained that "up to the age of 16, the face is considered to be dynamically very variable and, therefore, the passport issuance time must be reduced, the physiognomy changes."

Likewise, he assured that, in the case of a minor who has asix year passport, this is valid, “no problems.”

Themeasures announced this week, whichcome into force next July 1st, establish that the validity of passports for minors under 16 years of age is five years, while for people over that age it will be 10 years.

The passports of minors will not have to be extended either and their cost at consulates, setting a fee, will be 140 USD/Euros, although if requested in Cubamaintains its cost of 2,500 CUP, the same as for any other citizen of legal age.

At the beginning of May, the Cuban government ruled on the regulation of theissuance of Cuban passport for minors, a measure in response to the current migration crisis.

HeSupreme Court prepared the instruction, published in theOfficial Gazette of the Republic of Cuba, No. 28 Extraordinary, April 17, 2023.

Thelegal instruction, with six sections, refers in its first point to "claims related to the non-joint exercise of parental responsibility" and includes cases of "discrepancies for that reason."

It points out that "whenever authorization is requested to obtain a passport for minors and/or their departure from the national territory, the court adopts the necessary measures to provide special protection to the girls, boys and adolescents involved."

Hesecond point of the instruction refers to the court's obligation to listen to the holders of parental responsibility. The body must evaluate thereasons for opposition alleged by parents or guardians regarding the minors' departure from the country.

Hethird aspect is focused on facts about which a situation of neglect or abandonment towards daughters and sons arises. In itroomElements to take into account in the passport authorization processes are detailed. This includes, among other aspects, the following:

• The address of the home where the minor and the responsible adult will remain.
• Demonstrate that the minor will have a legal status that guarantees the full enjoyment of his or her rights in another State.
• Destination of the minor's trip and the period in which he or she must return if it is a temporary departure.

InfifthFirst, the document indicates that the court provides for the authorization of the exclusive exercise by one of the parents to obtain a passport for the minor and his/her departure from Cuba.

In case of being atemporary exit, the period of permanence of the minor in the foreign territory is recorded. In such cases, if the obligation to return within the established period is not met, the effects provided for cases of illicit transfer or retention of girls, boys or adolescents may operate.

The topic related to thecommunication of the minor with the non-custodial mother or father, as well as grandmothers, grandfathers and other relatives.

Hesixthsection indicates that thejudicial resolution The result is sent to the corresponding office of the Directorate of Identification, Immigration and Immigration of the Ministry of the Interior and to the Directorate of Care for Minors, to proceed with the creation of the passport.

Last March, the Ministry of the Interior reported thatCuban passport applications had tripled in the province of Sancti Spíritus and that, in addition, there is greater demand for immigration procedures and identity card applications.