Cuba to Allow Return of Illegal Emigrants

Cuba to Allow Return of Illegal Emigrants
October 24, 2012

HAVANA TIMES — Cuba will allow the return of emigrants who left the
country illegally since 1994 after waiting a period of eight years,
according to a new aspect of immigration reform announced today,
reported DPA news.

This measure benefits emigrants who left after the immigration agreement
signed with the United States in 1994, after the rafter crisis, said
Homero Acosta, secretary of the Council of State, in a special
television program.

Similarly, athletes and doctors who deserted Cuban missions abroad after
1990 can return to the island, after a same eight year period, added
Acosta.

Those who fled via the Guantanamo naval base cannot benefit from the
measure for "reasons of national security and defense," explained the
official.

"The first step we can announce at this time is that it normalizes the
temporary entry of those who emigrated illegally after the 1994
migration accords," said Acosta.

"In the same situation are health professionals and elite athletes who
left missions abroad or illegally left the country after 1990, and
equally, if more than eight years has passed" he added.

However Acosta noted that thus far these illegal emigrants will be able
to visit the island but will not be able to stay indefinitely in Cuba.

On October 16, the Cuban government announced historic immigration
reforms that relax foreign travel for its citizens living on the island
after decades of restrictions. This was done through the elimination of
the previously required exit visa for travel abroad.

However, the measure includes restrictions aimed at stemming any "brain
drain" of certain professionals, including doctors. It is thought that
the limitations will also extend to political dissidents.

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