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Cuban migration has found in Uruguay a new destination for settlement, seeking to escape the economic, political, and social crisis that suffocates the island.
Uncontrolled inflation, food and medicine shortages, power outages lasting over 20 hours, and increasing repression are pushing more and more Cubans to seek alternatives outside their country, with the southern part of the continent becoming a viable option.
Jorge Zamora, a 32-year-old from Guantánamo, is one of many who have chosen Uruguay instead of taking the dangerous route to the United States. After spending five months in Brazil, he decided to move to Montevideo, where he opened a small grocery store.
"I spent five months in Brazil, but they don't pay well enough to send money back home to the family. That's why I'm here," he explained to AFP, while arranging fruits and vegetables in his shop, which also serves as a barbershop.
Growth of the Cuban community in Uruguay
The South American country, with a population of 3.4 million inhabitants and the highest per capita GDP in the region, has experienced a significant increase in Cuban immigration.
Between 2012 and 2023, 20% of the immigrants who arrived in Uruguay were Cuban, which represents about 12,400 people, according to official data. In 2022 alone, the school enrollment of Cuban children in the country increased by 388% compared to 2018, highlighting the arrival of entire families in search of stability.
In 2024, the asylum applications from Cuban citizens in Uruguay reached over 20,000 cases. The Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Nicolás Albertoni, explained that this was due to the visa requirement for entering the country, which is why they are using the asylum process to stay.
María del Carmen Pupo, a Cuban who emigrated five years ago and now provides legal advice to her fellow countrymen, confirms the growth of the community.
"I receive so many inquiries that I can no longer handle the phone by myself," she asserts, noting that Uruguay offers advantages that other destinations do not guarantee, such as safety, open immigration policies, legal stability, and access to employment.
Enrique López, a 54-year-old Cuban migrant, arrived in Uruguay in January 2025 after spending two years in Suriname. He explains that his decision was motivated by the ease of sending money to his family in Cuba and the quick process for obtaining documents.
Most Cuban migrants continue on the path to the United States. However, the immigration policies of the Donald Trump administration and the dangers of the journey have led some to seek safer and more affordable alternatives.
While the route to the U.S. can cost up to $10,000 per person, emigrating to Uruguay involves an expense of about $3,200. The Latin American country, far from being just a springboard to North America, has become a permanent destination for many Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration of Cubans to Uruguay
Why has Uruguay become an attractive destination for Cuban migrants?
Uruguay has become an attractive destination for Cuban migrants due to its economic, political, and social stability, as well as the security it offers compared to other countries in Latin America. Moreover, the process for obtaining legal residency and eventually Uruguayan citizenship is relatively accessible.
How many Cubans have emigrated to Uruguay in the last decade?
Between 2012 and 2023, 20% of the immigrants who arrived in Uruguay were Cuban, which represents around 12,400 people, according to official data. This increase reflects the growth of the Cuban community in the South American country.
What advantages does Uruguay offer to Cuban migrants?
Uruguay offers security, immigration openness, legal stability, and quick access to employment to Cuban migrants. These advantages, combined with the ease of sending money to their families in Cuba, make Uruguay an attractive and viable destination for Cubans seeking stability outside their country.
How has the enrollment of Cuban children in schools in Uruguay increased?
In 2022, the enrollment of Cuban children in Uruguay increased by 388% compared to 2018. This rise highlights the arrival of entire families seeking a more stable and secure environment for their children.
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