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An unexpected bureaucratic hurdle between the governments of Uruguay and Cuba is affecting island citizens residing in the South American nation, preventing them from registering their divorces and, consequently, entering into new marriages or carrying out other legal procedures.
This situation has resulted in a stalemate in the personal and legal lives of many, who find themselves trapped in an administrative limbo with no solutions in sight.
Since 2023, the Cuban authorities have stopped issuing certified copies of divorce decrees, providing instead abbreviated certificates (shortened sentence certifications). However, the Uruguayan Civil Registry requires full sentences to legally recognize the procedure. This documentation discrepancy has caused many processes to be stalled.
Testimonials from the affected
A report published by El País tells the story of Marisa Hernández, a Venezuelan resident in Montevideo, and her Cuban partner, José Antonio Pérez, who are facing this issue.
Despite having obtained a divorce certificate issued by a Cuban court and legalized by the Uruguayan embassy in Havana, the document was rejected by the Civil Registry for not meeting the established requirements. This situation prevents them from moving forward with their plans for marriage and other life projects.
Similarly, Osleydis Gutiérrez, a Cuban who separated in her country in 2020 and later moved to South America, encountered obstacles when trying to register her divorce.
Despite presenting the documents provided by the Cuban authorities, these were deemed insufficient by the Uruguayan authorities, preventing him from formalizing a new union
Response from the authorities
Silvia Facal, director of the Uruguayan Civil Registry, has expressed her concern about the situation and highlighted the lack of response from the Cuban consulate in Montevideo to repeated attempts at communication, the aforementioned source reported. As a measure, the intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay has been requested to pursue a diplomatic solution that will help resolve this situation and facilitate the pending procedures for the affected citizens
The lack of coordination between the authorities of both countries has created a situation of uncertainty and stagnation for many Cuban citizens in Uruguay.
It is expected that, through diplomatic efforts, a solution will be achieved that allows for the normalization of the situation and facilitates the necessary legal procedures so that these individuals can continue their lives without bureaucratic obstacles.
Uruguay is establishing itself as a welcoming destination for Cuban migrants
Cuban migration has found in Uruguay a settlement destination, to escape the economic, political, and social crisis that is suffocating the island.
Uncontrolled inflation, food and medicine shortages, blackouts 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 emerging as a viable option.
The South American country, with a population of 3.4 million residents 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, accounting for 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 whole families in search of stability.
In 2024, applications for asylum from Cuban citizens in Uruguay exceeded 20,000 cases.
New decree regulates the status of thousands of Cubans in Uruguay
In 2024, the Uruguayan government signed a decree that allows thousands of Cubans to resolve their immigration status, a benefit that undocumented individuals had requested for months.
The regulation was signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior and allows undocumented individuals to legalize their status through "residence by roots," a legal provision that benefits asylum seekers who did not meet the conditions to qualify for asylum.
Frequently asked questions about the bureaucratic issues faced by Cubans in Uruguay
What problem do Cubans in Uruguay face when trying to register their divorces?
Since 2023, Cuban authorities have stopped issuing full certified copies of divorce decrees, providing only shortened certificates. This documentation discrepancy prevents the Uruguayan Civil Registry from legally recognizing the divorce proceedings, creating a standstill in the personal and legal lives of many Cubans in Uruguay.
How does the lack of coordination between the governments of both countries affect Cubans in Uruguay?
The lack of coordination between the authorities of Cuba and Uruguay has created an administrative limbo, preventing Cubans from registering divorces and entering into new marriages. This situation impacts their life plans and creates legal uncertainty, leaving many trapped with no solutions in sight.
What measures are the Uruguayan authorities taking to resolve this bureaucratic issue with Cuba?
Silvia Facal, director of the Uruguayan Civil Registry, has requested the intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay to seek a diplomatic solution. It is expected that through diplomatic efforts, the situation will be normalized and the necessary legal procedures for the affected Cuban citizens will be facilitated.
Why has Cuban immigration to Uruguay increased in recent years?
The Cuban migration to Uruguay has increased due to the economic, political, and social crisis in Cuba, which includes uncontrolled inflation, scarcity of food and medicine, and increasing repression. Uruguay, with its economic stability and open migration policies, has become a viable destination for Cubans seeking better life opportunities.
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