Why did you leave Cuba? Cubans in Uruguay respond

Several Cubans who recently arrived in Uruguay shared with the influencer @emmanuelabim their reasons for emigrating, their first impressions of the South American country, and the challenges they faced on the island.

A woman who worked as a nurse on the island shared that she has been in Uruguay for a year and five months. Despite having had a relatively stable life in Cuba with her husband, she stated that the situation became unsustainable. "You wake up and live with stress thinking about what you're going to have for breakfast, what you're going to eat," she said.

Although she had training in nursing, she worked at a refrigeration company because the salary in the health sector was insufficient: “Health care in Cuba doesn't allow you to support your children. Everything is controlled by the government. A doctor earns a pittance.” She added that there is no room for progress in Cuba: “As long as they don't allow free trade, I don't believe anything will improve in Cuba.” She also harshly criticized the current government, which she described as incapable of managing the country.

Another testimony comes from a Cuban mother who recently arrived in Uruguay with her son. They have been living in the country for a month and chose to emigrate in search of "a better life." The woman was a homemaker and her husband was the breadwinner. Her son, who aspires to be a YouTuber, explained that in Cuba "there's not even TikTok, nor do they pay you or anything." Both expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome from the Uruguayans and shared messages of encouragement. "The change is significant and strong, but it's worth it," the mother said. The young man encouraged others to study to "be someone in life."

A young man who has been living in Rivera for six months also spoke. He studies at the Technological University (UTEC) and works in a warehouse. He left Cuba with his entire family after completing military service. "The situation in Cuba is very bad, very delicate. I wanted a better future," he said. They chose Uruguay after watching videos and receiving references: "Everything is much cheaper, you can live quite well." He compared the cost of living in Cuba with the low salaries: "My mother could only buy a carton of eggs with one salary; it costs 3,500 pesos." Despite the difficulties, he misses the island: "I miss my family, I miss the atmosphere, everything."

The testimonies have generated a wave of reactions. Some comments highlighted the resilience of the migrants: “Bravo, little Cuban, study and work,” wrote one user. Others lamented the reluctance to speak openly about the political context: “All the misfortune of our people is due to the dictatorship,” noted a commentator. There were also critical voices that questioned the authenticity of the accounts, while other Uruguayans expressed welcoming messages: “Welcome, Cuban, we wish you the best here.”

These recent testimonies add to a series of publications from Cubans sharing their migration experiences in Uruguay, addressing issues ranging from economic challenges to the process of social adaptation. In recent weeks, videos featuring Cuban citizens recounting their personal experiences after emigrating to the South American country have proliferated on social media, sparking intense debates about integration, employment, and access to services.

The youtuber Frank El Makina, for example, has publicly defended his fellow countrymen against criticism for supposedly living off state subsidies. "Most of those who come here are here to work, to do things right", he said in a video that generated hundreds of mixed comments.

The testimony of another Cuban has also gone viral, warning about the challenges of obtaining formal employment upon arriving in Uruguay. “Here it’s mostly word of mouth; you need someone to recommend you,” explained the young woman, who outlined the sectors with the highest demand for migrant labor.

In another video, the same user highlighted the basic expenses involved in starting from scratch in Uruguay and recommended arriving with a financial cushion of between 2,500 and 4,500 dollars, depending on the type of accommodation. “The most important thing is to ensure a roof over your head, food, and some money to live on until you find a job,” she emphasized.

Other Cubans have highlighted the improvements in their quality of life after settling in the country. In a testimony that resonated on social media, a migrant compared Uruguay's public transportation with that of Cuba and expressed gratitude for being able to take a bus without the fear of being left hanging from a door, as happened to her on the island.

Additionally, some migrants have chosen to settle in Uruguay, even turning down offers to emigrate to the United States. “I work eight hours and I’m happy. Over there in the USA, you have to work 28 hours a day,” commented a Cuban who has been living in the country for nine years.

From the recognition of basic infrastructure to access to the financial system, as is the case with Frank El Makina after obtaining his resident ID, the widespread perception among many Cubans in Uruguay is that, despite the initial difficulties, they have found more favorable conditions to develop their lives.

Despite the barriers, many Cubans claim that in Uruguay they have found better living conditions than in their home country, and they particularly value safety, stability, and the opportunity to study and work legally.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Emigration of Cubans to Uruguay