A young Cuban woman, identified on TikTok as Mónica (@cubana_en_rd), shared in a video how she managed to emigrate to the Dominican Republic at the beginning of 2024, despite lacking the necessary financial resources.
In her testimony, Mónica explained that her story begins in 2005, when her father decided to leave Cuba for the Dominican Republic "to seek a better future." "My dad went through a lot; he even slept on the street and went hungry, until he eventually managed to find work at some schools here in Santo Domingo Este and became stable," she said.
In late 2022 or early 2023, Mónica graduated in Medicine in Cuba, but she was clear that she did not want to stay on the island. Lacking the financial means to emigrate legally, she explained that her father rented rooms to Cubans in their home, and it was through a friend she met in that environment that she found a way to leave the country.
"Initially, they were going to arrange for me to be her mule. In Cuba, being someone’s mule means that you come to the country where that person is going to be, and you carry goods for them to take back to Cuba, and that was the deal at first," she recounted.
However, before returning, she decided to stay in the Dominican Republic: “I sat down with my friend and told her: look, I don't want to go back to Cuba, I'm going to work in the Dominican Republic and I will pay you back for the money you invest.” She clarified that she didn’t have her own money to cover the expenses, but her friend agreed.
Finally, he detailed that he was able to travel on January 15, 2024, not with a tourist visa, but "a visa granting residency," processed through his father. "Although my age for applying for this type of visa was already at the upper limit, thanks to God and to all the people who contributed in their own way, I was approved and granted the right to residency," he added.
"You already speak like a Dominican."
The video has generated thousands of views and over 600 comments on TikTok. A large majority expressed messages of welcome, admiration for their determination, and gratitude for sharing their story.
Several users asked if she practices her profession as a doctor in the Dominican Republic. She responded straightforwardly, "I am a doctor, but I do not practice." As a result, many encouraged her to seek employment in private clinics or to begin the process of validating her university degree.
Some comments highlighted that "she no longer has a Cuban accent" and that "she speaks like a Dominican." Others celebrated her success in establishing herself outside of Cuba and expressed that her story could serve as inspiration for others.
There were those who shared their own similar experiences, both Dominicans with Cuban roots and migrants from other nationalities. One user recounted that they met their Cuban partner and were in the process of bringing her to the country, while others expressed the desire to do the same with their relatives.
Reactions of pride toward Cuban doctors were also noted. "The best doctors are the Cubans," one noted. "I hope you can practice your profession here, you are welcome," wrote another.
Among the hundreds of messages, a sentiment of closeness and brotherhood between Dominicans and Cubans prevailed. Some summed it up with phrases like: “This is also your land,” “there's room for all of us in this country,” or “we are brotherly nations.”
Although mostly positive, a small number of comments expressed a critical or wary stance towards migration, albeit without generating any debate within the post.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration of Cubans to the Dominican Republic
Why did Mónica decide to emigrate from Cuba to the Dominican Republic?
Mónica decided to emigrate from Cuba because she did not want to live on the island after graduating from medical school. Despite the economic limitations, she found an opportunity to settle in the Dominican Republic through the support of her friend and her father.
What process did Mónica follow to obtain residency in the Dominican Republic?
Mónica obtained a visa granting her residency through a process managed by her father, taking advantage of the fact that she was at the upper limit of the age allowed for this type of visa. This allowed her to legally settle in the Dominican Republic.
Is Mónica practicing medicine in the Dominican Republic?
Despite having graduated in medicine, Mónica is not practicing her profession in the Dominican Republic. However, many users on social media encourage her to seek employment in private clinics or start the process of validating her university degree.
How has Mónica been received by the Dominican community?
The story of Mónica has been very well received on TikTok, generating messages of welcome and admiration for her determination. The Dominican community has shown closeness and solidarity with the Cubans, expressing that everyone belongs in the country and that they are brother nations.
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