The Government of the Cayman Islands has approved significant amendments to the Customs and Border Control (CBC) regulations. These changes introduce a transit visa requirement for Cuban citizens, aiming to better manage the migration flow through their territory.
Statistics from CBC and Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) show that many Cubans use the Cayman Islands as a transit point to other countries in South or Central America, traveling with round-trip tickets. However, a considerable number of these travelers do not return to Cuba, prompting the review of immigration regulations to require a transit visa for travelers from Cuba.
Between November 2021 and November 2023, data reveals that 12,381 Cubans traveled on a round-trip ticket with Cayman Airways (CAL) from Havana, but only 3,116 individuals returned to their point of origin.
Protests and Detention Incidents
In May, a group of Cuban rafters staged a protest in front of the Cayman Islands Government Administration. The demonstration was in response to the pursuit and arrest of two Cuban migrants.
The CBC confirmed an operation in the early hours of April 30 at the Bodden Town Civic Center, aiming to locate two individuals who had escaped from the CBC Detention Center. Both were apprehended and face charges for evading police custody.
The incident concluded with a protest involving more than 20 Cubans, who gathered on the steps of the Government Administration Building to demand the resolution of pending asylum cases.
FAQs About the New Transit Visa Requirements for Cubans in the Cayman Islands
To provide further clarity on the new transit visa requirements for Cubans traveling through the Cayman Islands, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Why did the Cayman Islands introduce a transit visa requirement for Cubans?
The transit visa requirement was introduced to better control the migration flow through the territory and address the issue of Cuban travelers not returning to Cuba.
How many Cubans have traveled through the Cayman Islands without returning to Cuba?
Between November 2021 and November 2023, 12,381 Cubans traveled on round-trip tickets, but only 3,116 returned to Cuba.
What prompted the protest in front of the Cayman Islands Government Administration?
The protest was prompted by the pursuit and arrest of two Cuban migrants, leading to a demonstration demanding the resolution of pending asylum cases.