Just over 400 Cubans have traversed the Darién Jungle during 2024, according to the National Migration Service of Panama. The agency's Controlled Flow of Migrants Operation recorded the passage of approximately 174,513 people through this dangerous border crossing from January 1 to June 6, 2024. Among them, only 402 were Cubans, marking a significant decrease in the number of migrants from the island compared to previous years.
In March 2023 alone, 220 Cubans crossed this region, which was already a reduced figure. This flow notably decreased after Nicaragua eliminated the visa requirement for island residents in November 2021, shortening a journey that previously began in Ecuador and forced them to traverse the Darién. Now, Cubans start their journey in Managua.
However, the flow of Venezuelans (113,244 from January 1 to June 6), Ecuadorians (12,300), and Haitians (9,980) remains unstoppable, according to the agency. Similarly, about 11,219 migrants from Colombia, 10,348 from China, 1,771 from India, and 15,249 from other nationalities have traveled through the natural border between Colombia and Panama.
The recently elected President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, promised to close the border crossing in the Darién Jungle as a measure to control the migration crisis. Mulino's promise has a significant impact on the migrant community, as closing one of the most dangerous routes in the world, used by thousands of people each year to reach the United States, could result in hundreds of repatriations.
During his campaign, Mulino assured that he would repatriate irregular migrants while respecting their human rights. The announcement was made after the Panama Electoral Tribunal confirmed his victory on Sunday, May 5.
Impact of Darién Jungle Crossing on Cuban Migrants
The following questions and answers aim to provide more information and clarity regarding the situation of Cuban migrants crossing the Darién Jungle.
Why has the number of Cuban migrants crossing the Darién Jungle decreased?
The number has decreased primarily because Nicaragua eliminated the visa requirement for Cuban residents in November 2021, allowing them to start their journey in Managua instead of Ecuador.
What impact could the closure of the Darién Jungle border have?
Closing the Darién Jungle border could lead to hundreds of repatriations and might force migrants to seek alternative, potentially more dangerous routes.
What are the main nationalities of migrants crossing the Darién Jungle?
The main nationalities include Venezuelans, Ecuadorians, Haitians, Colombians, Chinese, Indians, and migrants from other various nationalities.