The new Migration Bill introduced on Monday by the National Assembly of People's Power in Cuba outlines the migration rights of Cuban citizens, including the possibility of renouncing Cuban citizenship.
According to the legislative text, once the renunciation request is approved, individuals exercising this right will be considered as foreigners and must comply with the applicable laws for such cases. Furthermore, the document specifies that from that point onwards, they cannot identify themselves in Cuba as Cuban citizens. For entry and exit purposes, they will be required to present the corresponding foreign passport, visa requirements, and other necessary travel documents.
The text clarifies that individuals holding more than one citizenship must use the same passport for both entering and leaving the country. Generally, the new bill states that Cuban citizens have the constitutional rights to enter, stay, transit, and leave the national territory in accordance with the regulations of this Law, the Foreigners Law, and their respective regulations.
Additionally, it specifies that Cuban citizens can apply for family reunification with relatives living abroad, reestablish residence in the national territory, and import household goods according to the limits and formalities set by the General Customs of the Republic.
The document published by the Cuban Parliament also proposes other changes, such as the potential elimination of the 24-month stay limit abroad and the designation of migrant status for this reason. According to the new legislative project, Cubans who remain outside of Cuba for more than 24 months can inherit and maintain properties, provided they comply with the established norms and administrative procedures.
The text includes a section on the possibility for Cuban victims of human trafficking to be eligible for family reunification rights in Cuba.
The government stated that the objective of publicizing these legislative projects is to "promote citizen participation and contribute to the legal culture" of Cubans. According to the state-run agency Prensa Latina, "these legislative proposals will be subject to analysis and discussion by the deputies, with a view to their timely presentation to the Cuban Parliament."
Key Aspects of the New Cuban Migration Law
In this section, we address some frequently asked questions regarding the new migration law in Cuba. These questions aim to provide clarity on the main points and their implications for Cuban citizens.
What happens if a Cuban citizen renounces their citizenship?
Once the renunciation is approved, they will be considered as foreigners and must comply with the laws applicable to foreigners. They will need a foreign passport and visa for entry and exit from Cuba.
Can Cubans who stay abroad for more than 24 months inherit properties in Cuba?
Yes, Cubans who remain outside of Cuba for more than 24 months can inherit and maintain properties, as long as they comply with the established administrative norms and procedures.
What rights do Cuban citizens have under the new migration law?
Cuban citizens have the constitutional rights to enter, stay, transit, and leave the national territory in accordance with the regulations of the new law, the Foreigners Law, and their respective regulations.