In response to the criteria of Cubans living abroad, the Cuban Foreign Ministry announced today measures that include the extension of the validity of passports, the elimination of extensions and the reduction of the cost of the document.
The general director of Consular Affairs and attention to Cubans living abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ernesto Soberón, said that the decision will take effect on July 1 and is part of the updating of the country's migratory policy for the benefit of family relations.
He specified that from that moment on, the current passport will extend its validity from the current six years to 10 years, in the case of Cuban citizens aged 16 or older, and five years for minors.
In addition, the requirement to extend this document every two years is eliminated, as well as the cost of the associated procedures is reduced to 180 dollars or euros for those over 16 years of age, and 140 dollars or euros for those under that age.
Another measure adopted is to equalize the length of stay on the island for Cubans living abroad, with that of their relatives and foreign spouses and children during their stay in the country.
Soberón explained that as of July 1, residents living abroad will be able to stay in Cuba for a longer period of time, in the same way as their foreign relatives, since currently these periods of stay differ.
He also informed that people who emigrated before January 1, 1971 must present their Cuban passport to enter the Caribbean nation, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution approved in 2019 in a popular referendum.
These decisions are in line with the country's policy of strengthening ties with the community abroad, said the director of Consular Affairs, adding that at present these continue to develop satisfactorily.
Cuba has taken steps to increase the participation of Cubans living abroad in the political, economic and social life of their country, said the diplomat and highlighted in this regard the debates on the draft Constitution and the Family Code.
He also commented that "the number of cooperation, business and investment projects presented by Cubans living abroad aimed at participating and contributing to the economic development of the island is growing steadily and systematically".