The influencer Lino García, known on social media as "The Cuban Creator," posted on his Instagram account a video featuring the testimony of a woman in Moscow who is in extreme migratory vulnerability.
García was explicit about the boundaries of the content: "For safety reasons, names, places, or identifiable details will not be shared." The publication aims to present a "human and responsible approach," without pointing to any individual or institution.
The objective of the video is clear: "to make Cubans aware that being in Russia illegally puts you in a very vulnerable situation."
He also clarified that the content of his video "does not constitute a direct accusation" against anyone and asked his followers for "respect in the comments."
What experiences did the Cuban living in Moscow share?
The Cuban immigrant living in Moscow spoke about the difficulties she has faced since her arrival in Russia. She spent a year and a half "getting by" and stated that her greatest wish is to be reunited with her children, no matter whether it is in Cuba, Russia, or anywhere else in the world.
He described the atmosphere of uncertainty experienced by many Cubans in Moscow, stating that they remain "trapped like mice" due to the constant fear of being detained and deported.
He also addressed the situation of those obtaining Russian citizenship. According to his account, the new citizens are now being sent to military service, and he asserted that several Cubans who were deployed to the war did not return alive. This statement reflects his personal opinion and was not supported by evidence.
He also reported alleged scams in the rental market, where some landlords would collect rent and deposits only to evict tenants with the help of the police, without returning the money paid.
Cubans in Russia: an increasingly precarious situation
The testimony shared by García is not an isolated case. In April 2026, another Cuban resident in Moscow reported a labor exploitation scheme in which "brigadiers," fellow nationals, withhold the workers' wages: if the Russian employer pays for a person, the intermediary keeps the money without distributing it.
The affected individuals describe days that start at four in the morning, without eating, and return without payment or having documents to file a claim.
Many Cubans enter Russia without a visa for up to 90 days and then find themselves trapped in informal jobs or without proper documentation, exposing themselves to raids, penalties, and labor abuses.
The Russian authorities have progressively tightened controls. In March 2025, Russia detained 17 Cubans in Krasnodar for illegal stay, with fines, deportation, and re-entry bans of up to ten years.
In April 2026, migrants with documentation issues began to be sent to the Sájarovo deportation center, where they were cut off from communication with family and the consulate.
The most recent tightening took place on July 8, when the Russian Duma approved a reform that requires foreign workers to prove sufficient income, allowing them only 15 days to leave the country if they lose their job or do not meet the required threshold.
Additionally, three Cubans were sent to trial in Russia this month for attempting to illegally cross the border from Kaliningrad to Poland, which illustrates the desperation of those seeking a way out.
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