Yoel Gallart Villalobos (born June 19, 1979) has been held in a deportation center in Gulkévichi, located in the Russian-controlled region of Krasnodar in Crimea, since March 12. His mother-in-law reported him to the police to have him deported back to Cuba after he had lived in Russia for six years. Gallart issues a warning to those considering traveling from Havana to Moscow in search of a better life: "Go to another country; immigrants are being detained here."
Despite having no legal status in Russia, Gallart's three children were born there. In an interview with CiberCuba from the deportation center, he explained that his children are being raised by their grandmother. His ex-partner struggles with severe alcohol dependency and is barely involved in the children's lives, who are two and a half, four, and five years old. During their six-year relationship, Gallart's partner refused to legalize his status, which led to the deterioration and eventual breakup of their relationship.
After the separation, Gallart chose to remain in the same building where he used to live with his ex-wife to stay close to his children. His neighbors, who have been supporting him financially by sending money to the deportation center, can vouch for his dedication. Russian authorities canceled his bank card upon his arrest, leaving him without any documentation to prove his Cuban nationality or his parentage to his children in Russia.
His primary plea is to stay with his children, either in Cuba or in Sochi, the Russian city where they were born and where he has spent his time illegally residing and working in various jobs, including carpentry, in the tourist city where legalizing his status proved impossible. His income was the sole financial support for his mother-in-law's household, and he worries about his children's current needs.
Originally from Matanzas, Gallart strongly advises other Cubans against traveling to Russia at this time, citing ongoing crackdowns on illegal immigrants. At the deportation center, where he hasn't received any consular assistance from Cuban authorities or legal aid from a Russian public defender, there are also eight other Cubans detained after being apprehended in Krasnodar (Crimea).
In addition to Cubans, the facility houses immigrants from Vietnam, Afghanistan, and various Arab countries. Gallart prefers not to be deported to Cuba but insists on retaining custody of his children if deportation occurs, fearing that being separated for five years could severely impact his relationship with them.
While he hasn’t been offered the chance to fight in the Ukraine war in exchange for legal status in Russia, he is aware that this proposal has been extended to other immigrants. His future remains uncertain, but he is determined to be with his children, whether in Cuba or Russia.
FAQs on Immigration Issues in Russia
What advice does Yoel Gallart give to Cubans considering traveling to Russia?
Yoel Gallart advises against traveling to Russia, warning that there is a persistent crackdown on illegal immigrants.
Why is Gallart concerned about his children's well-being?
Gallart is worried because his children are being raised by their grandmother due to his ex-partner's alcohol dependency, and he fears their needs might not be fully met without his support.
What challenges does Gallart face regarding his legal status and documentation?
Gallart faces challenges because he lacks legal status in Russia, has no identification documents proving his Cuban nationality or his relationship to his children, and his bank card has been canceled by authorities.