Related videos:
The Russian Justice system has issued a precautionary arrest measure against the Cuban citizen Lázaro Maccdiel Benítez Rojas, accused of murdering a coworker at a construction site west of Moscow.
The Nikúlinski District Court of Moscow approved the prosecutor's request to impose a 30-day arrest warrant for Benítez Rojas, who is facing charges of homicide, reported the agency Efe citing Russian Justice on Telegram.
According to the authorities, the accused, an employee at a construction site, allegedly inflicted at least one stab wound on his colleague, causing his death at the scene.
The defense of Benítez Rojas requested a less severe precautionary measure that would not involve imprisonment, but the court denied this request.
In recent years, Russia has become one of the most accessible destinations for Cubans seeking better opportunities outside the island. This is partly because nationals from the Caribbean island do not require a visa to enter Russia for up to 90 days as tourists.
This mechanism has been utilized by thousands of Cubans to travel, stay beyond the permitted time, and seek employment, mostly in informal conditions.
Many Cubans in Russia end up working in sectors such as construction, cleaning, or domestic services, usually without legal contracts and in conditions that leave them vulnerable to exploitation.
One of those migrants is Yoel Gallart Villalobos, originally from Matanzas, detained since March 12 at a deportation center in Gulkévichi, Krasnodar region (Crimea).
After six years of illegal residency in Russia and with three children born in that country, Gallart was handed over to authorities by his mother-in-law. From the detention center, he reported that he has not received legal or consular assistance, and warned other Cubans: “Leave for another country, as they are detaining immigrants here”.
Gallart claims that the only family income came from his work as a carpenter in Sochi, the city where he lived and raised his children, whose care now depends on their grandmother. “The only thing I ask for is to be with my children, whether in Cuba or in Russia, but with them,” he stated.
The situation of Gallart and other Cubans worsens with the implementation of a new immigration policy in Russia. Since February 5, 2025, the Ministry of the Interior has implemented a national registry of controlled individuals, which includes all foreigners in irregular status.
This database is accessible to workers, schools, civil registry offices, and other institutions, with the purpose of restricting access to employment, education, marriage, properties, or public services.
Those who are registered will not be able to enroll children in schools, purchase real estate, change residence without permission, or open businesses. They will also be subject to biometric controls and may be held in detention centers until their legal situation is resolved.
According to the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Alexander Gorovoy, more than 670,000 migrants currently live in Russia without legal status, including women and minors.
They have until April 30 to regularize their status; otherwise, they will face expulsion starting May 1.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Cubans in Russia and the Case of Lázaro Maccdiel Benítez Rojas
Why was Lázaro Maccdiel Benítez Rojas arrested in Russia?
Lázaro Maccdiel Benítez Rojas was arrested in Russia accused of murdering a coworker at a construction site in Moscow. Russian authorities issued a precautionary arrest order for 30 days, following a request from the prosecution, as Benítez Rojas faces homicide charges. The court denied the defense's request for a less severe measure.
What is the new immigration policy in Russia that affects Cubans?
Since February 5, 2025, Russia has implemented a national registry of controlled individuals for foreigners in an irregular situation. Migrants who do not regularize their status before April 30, 2025, will face expulsion starting May 1. This registry restricts access to employment, education, and other public services, and applies biometric controls to those registered.
How is this policy affecting Cubans in Russia?
Many Cubans in Russia are facing detentions and deportations due to their irregular immigration status. Although they can enter Russia without a visa for up to 90 days, exceeding this time or working without the proper permits exposes them to penalties. The new policy increases controls and limits their rights, heightening their vulnerability.
What does the detention of Yoel Gallart Villalobos in Russia imply?
Yoel Gallart Villalobos, a Cuban detained in a deportation center in Russia, denounces the lack of legal and consular assistance. After six years of illegal residency and with three children born in Russia, he was handed over to the authorities by his mother-in-law. Gallart warns other Cubans about the persecution of immigrants and expresses his wish to reunite with his children, whether in Cuba or Russia.
Filed under: