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The Russian authorities detained 17 Cuban citizens for being in irregular migration status in the Krymsk district, in the Krasnodar region, as reported by the local media Krymsk 24.
The detainees face penalties such as fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entering Russia for the next 10 years.
The operation was carried out in various locations throughout the Krymsk district as part of the enhanced immigration checks implemented in recent months.
The press service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Krasnodar region reported that police officers prepared reports for administrative offenses in accordance with Part 1.1 and Part 1 of Article 18.8 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the Russian Federation.
Cuban citizens were found without the legal documentation justifying their presence in Russian territory, leading to their arrest and subsequent transfer to immigration detention centers. Additionally, one of the detainees was accused of evading deportation.
A court imposed fines and ordered their expulsion from the country, prohibiting them from re-entering Russia for a period of 5 to 10 years.
This type of incident occurs in the context of the visa exemption policy between Cuba and Russia. Since December 2018, Cuban citizens can travel to the Eurasian nation without the need for a visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
However, those who exceed this deadline or engage in unauthorized activities without the proper documentation are subject to penalties, including detention and deportation.
In April 2024, following a terrorist attack near Moscow, President Vladimir Putin urged to curb illegal immigration, which resulted in a rise in the expulsion of Cuban migrants. For instance, a Cuban woman and her minor children were detained near the border and expelled for lacking the proper documentation.
Subsequently, in May 2024, a raid at the Rodina market in Kazan resulted in the and engaging in work activities without the necessary permits.
More recently, two Cuban migrants were deported from Nizhnevartovsk for exceeding the three-month legal stay allowed in Russia. Authorities determined that the foreigners violated Russian immigration regulations by settling illegally in that city, and therefore they were sent back to Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention and Deportation of Cubans in Russia
Why were the Cubans detained in Russia?
The 17 Cuban citizens were detained for being in an irregular migration situation in the Krymsk district, Krasnodar region, due to lacking the legal documentation to justify their stay in Russia.
What penalties do Cubans detained in Russia face?
The detained Cubans face fines, deportation, and a ban on entering Russia for the next 5 to 10 years due to their irregular migration status.
How does the visa exemption policy between Cuba and Russia affect Cuban migrants?
The visa exemption policy allows Cubans to travel to Russia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, exceeding this period or engaging in unauthorized activities without proper documentation exposes Cubans to sanctions, including detentions and deportations.
What measures has Russia taken to control illegal immigration?
Russia has implemented a new registry of controlled individuals that includes all foreigners in illegal status. This registry is used to verify the legal status of migrants before providing them with services or employment, and those who do not regularize their status must leave the country.
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