The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced this Wednesday that Washington will impose visa restrictions on several government officials from Cuba, as well as from African countries and Grenada, for their involvement in what he described as a scheme of forced labor linked to the export of Cuban medical services.
In a message posted on the social media platform X, the official stated that the State Department is taking action against “several officials complicit with the Cuban regime” in the organization and maintenance of these missions, which —as reported by international organizations— impose coercive working conditions on healthcare professionals.
Rubio assured that the U.S. government is "committed to ending this practice" and warned that "countries complicit in this exploitation should think twice" before continuing with such agreements.
Washington and human rights organizations have repeatedly accused Havana of using doctors and other health professionals as an instrument of political influence and a source of foreign currency, in conditions that violate international labor standards.
The Cuban regime has rejected these accusations and defends its medical brigades as "solidarity missions."
The announced sanctions are part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to pressure the Cuban government and its international allies, aimed at dismantling what it considers a large-scale labor exploitation network.
Rubio accompanied the announcement with a post on X, dated February 25, just a few days after taking office as Secretary of State, in which he stated that the U.S. was expanding its visa restriction policy related to Cuba.
In that message, he indicated that the State Department had taken steps to restrict visa issuance to Cuban officials and officials from complicit third countries, as well as to individuals responsible for Cuba's "exploitative labor export program," and assured that he will promote accountability for the regime "for oppressing its people and profiting from forced labor."
In June, the United States government announced the imposition of visa restrictions on several officials from Central American governments, accused of participating in programs for hiring Cuban doctors that, according to Washington, are part of forced labor schemes orchestrated by the regime in Havana.
The announcement was made by the Secretary of State, who stated that these sanctions aim to promote accountability for those who "exploit Cuban medical professionals under coercive practices."
"Visiting the United States with a visa is a privilege, not a right. We are committed to combating human trafficking, including forced labor," Rubio stated.
Just a few days ago, the Cuban government confirmed that more than 24,000 health sector workers are currently providing services abroad as part of its modern slavery system, disguised as an international cooperation policy.
The figure was revealed during the parliamentary debate on the foreign policy guidelines for the 2025-2028 period, held at the National Assembly of People's Power, reported the official Cubadebate.
In that session, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, defended the regime's foreign policy as a "revolutionary and popular" diplomacy, stating that it is in line with "the foundational principles from the struggles for independence," and is guided by the top echelons of political power, led by the first secretary of the Communist Party and the president of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Visa Restrictions for Cuban Officials
Why did the U.S. impose visa restrictions on Cuban officials and those from other countries?
The U.S. imposed visa restrictions on Cuban officials and those from other countries due to their involvement in a forced labor scheme linked to the export of Cuban medical services. According to the U.S. government, these medical missions operate under coercive labor conditions, financially benefiting the Cuban regime at the expense of health professionals' rights.
What conditions do Cuban doctors face in international missions?
Cuban doctors on international missions face forced working conditions. According to the U.S. Department of State, they often have no control over their passports, a portion of their salaries is withheld by the Cuban government, and they work under strict control conditions, constituting a modern form of labor slavery.
What is the stance of other countries regarding Cuban medical missions?
Despite criticisms from the United States, some countries, especially in the Caribbean and Latin America, defend Cuban medical missions and consider them essential for their healthcare systems. For instance, leaders from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica have expressed their support for the program, arguing that Cuban medical cooperation is vital for their communities.
How has the Cuban regime responded to U.S. sanctions?
The Cuban regime has rejected the U.S. sanctions, labeling them as interventionist and claiming that they unjustly affect its population. Cuba's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez, accused the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, of using his personal agenda to attack the Cuban people and their international medical cooperation agreements.
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