Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an expansion of the U.S. visa restrictions policy Tuesday targeting forced labor practices associated with Cuba’s labor export program. The new policy applies not only to current and former Cuban government officials but also to foreign government officials and other individuals implicated in the program, particularly those involved in Cuba’s overseas medical missions. Immediate family members of such individuals will also be subject to the restrictions.
“Cuba continues to profit from the forced labor of its workers, and the regime’s abusive and coercive labor practices are well documented,” Rubio stated. “Cuba’s labor export programs, which include the medical missions, enrich the Cuban regime, and in the case of Cuba’s overseas medical missions, deprive ordinary Cubans of the medical care they desperately need in their home country.”
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The expanded policy is being implemented under the authority of Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Department of State has already imposed visa restrictions on several individuals, including Venezuelans, under this updated framework.
The move underscores the United States’ commitment to countering forced labor practices globally by holding accountable those responsible for exploitation. Officials emphasize that the policy is aimed at curtailing practices that not only enrich the Cuban government at the expense of its citizens but also undermine human rights by exploiting workers abroad.
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As Cuba’s labor export program has come under increased scrutiny, the expanded visa restrictions are expected to send a strong message that the U.S. will take decisive action against forced labor and exploitation.
Further details on the implementation of the policy are anticipated in the coming weeks.
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