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A group of 23 Cuban migrants in an irregular situation was rescued by the Brazilian police after being abandoned by human traffickers on the banks of the BR-401 highway, in the state of Roraima, in northern Brazil.
The discovery occurred on the afternoon of October 9, in the municipality of Bonfim, when the Cubans were seen acting suspiciously at the entrance to Igarapé Arraia, a rural area crossed by the aforementioned road.
FOLHA BV reported that the migrants were being transported in several vehicles that suddenly abandoned them upon detecting the presence of police patrols.
Cubans, noticing the operation, attempted to hide in nearby wooded areas, but were located by members of the 5th Independent Company of the Border Military Police, who proceeded with their rescue.
Cuban migrants stated that their goal was to reach southern Brazil in search of better living conditions, having left Cuba amid the economic and political crisis in the country.
After the drivers abandoned them, they were left completely helpless in an unfamiliar environment. The 23 individuals were taken to the Federal Police headquarters in Bonfim, where they received guidance and began the appropriate procedures.
The largest asylum-seeking community in Brazil
This new case is part of a significant increase in Cuban migration flows to Brazil. Data from the Migration Observatory (Obmigra) indicates that the South American country received 19,419 asylum requests from Cuban citizens in the first half of 2025, representing a 60.8% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
The Cubans are the nationality with the most applications in Brazil, even surpassing the Venezuelans, who recorded 9,850 requests during the same period.
Nevertheless, the approval rate remains extremely low. Between January and June of this year, the National Committee for Refugees (Conare) approved only two applications from Cubans, rejected nine, and filed over 10,900 cases.
Irregular entries in the northern region
The entry of Cuban migrants into the country primarily occurs through the Northern region, utilizing routes through Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, with key points in border municipalities such as Bonfim (Roraima) and Oiapoque (Amapá).
Meanwhile, access to legal entry pathways remains limited. In the last six months, the Brazilian Consulate in Havana has granted only 10 work visas, compared to 445 for family reunification, 838 for visits, and 109 for studies.
In a context of growing desperation, many Cubans choose to risk their safety on perilous journeys through jungle routes, at the mercy of human trafficking networks.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration of Cubans to Brazil
Why are Cubans migrating to Brazil?
Cubans migrate to Brazil in search of better living conditions due to the economic and political crisis in Cuba. Despite the difficulties, Brazil offers economic and social opportunities that they cannot find in their home country.
How many Cubans have applied for asylum in Brazil in 2025?
In the first half of 2025, Brazil received 19,419 asylum applications from Cuban citizens, marking a 60.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This makes Cubans the nationality with the highest number of applications in Brazil.
What are the most common routes used by Cubans to enter Brazil?
The entry of Cubans into Brazil mostly occurs through the Northern region, using routes across Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Border municipalities such as Bonfim (Roraima) and Oiapoque (Amapá) are key points in their journey.
What is the approval rate for Cuban asylum applications in Brazil?
Despite the high number of requests, the approval rate for asylum for Cubans in Brazil is extremely low. Between January and June 2025, only two requests were approved, while more than 10,900 were filed away.
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