A Russian court has issued an arrest warrant for Cuban citizen Lázaro Maccdiel Benítez Rojas, accused of murdering a coworker at a construction site in western Moscow. The Nikulinsky District Court in Moscow granted the prosecutor's request to detain Benítez Rojas for 30 days as he faces homicide charges, according to the Russian judiciary's announcement on Telegram, as reported by Efe.
Authorities allege that Benítez Rojas, employed at the construction site, inflicted at least one stab wound on his colleague, resulting in the latter's death at the scene. Despite his defense team's plea for a less severe measure that wouldn't involve imprisonment, the court denied their request.
In recent years, Russia has emerged as a more accessible destination for Cubans seeking better opportunities outside the island. This trend is partly due to the visa-free entry for Cubans, allowing them to stay in Russia for up to 90 days as tourists. This policy has been leveraged by thousands of Cubans who overstay their welcome and seek work, often in informal conditions.
Many Cubans in Russia find employment in sectors like construction, cleaning, or domestic services, typically without formal contracts, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. One such migrant, Yoel Gallart Villalobos from Matanzas, has been detained since March 12 at a deportation center in Gulkevichi, Krasnodar region (Crimea). After living illegally in Russia for six years and fathering three children there, Gallart was turned over to authorities by his mother-in-law.
From detention, he lamented the lack of legal or consular assistance and warned fellow Cubans, "Go to another country; they're detaining immigrants here." Gallart claimed his family's only income came from his carpentry work in Sochi, where he lived and raised his children, now under their grandmother's care. "All I ask is to be with my kids, in Cuba or Russia, but with them," he stated.
The plight of Gallart and other Cubans worsens with the introduction of a new migration policy in Russia. Since February 5, 2025, the Ministry of the Interior has implemented a national registry of controlled individuals, including all foreigners without legal status.
This database is accessible to employers, schools, civil registry offices, and other institutions, aiming to restrict their access to jobs, education, marriage, property, or public services. Those listed cannot enroll children in schools, purchase real estate, change residence without permission, or start businesses. They are also subject to biometric controls and may be held in detention centers until their legal status is resolved.
According to Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovoy, over 670,000 migrants currently reside in Russia without legal status, including women and minors. They have until April 30 to regularize their status, or they will face deportation starting May 1.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Migrants in Russia
What led to the arrest of Lázaro Maccdiel Benítez Rojas?
Lázaro Maccdiel Benítez Rojas was arrested for allegedly murdering a coworker at a construction site in Moscow, with accusations of inflicting a fatal stab wound.
Why is Russia an attractive destination for Cuban migrants?
Russia is appealing to Cuban migrants due to its visa-free entry for up to 90 days, offering a chance to overstay and seek employment, often in informal conditions.
How does the new Russian migration policy affect undocumented migrants?
The new policy includes a national registry of undocumented migrants, restricting their access to employment, education, and other services, with potential detention and deportation for non-compliance.