Paramaribo, December 4th. We recently learned that Cuban citizens who had traveled to Suriname for personal purposes, with their passports in order and the visas required, declared that they intended to irregularly migrate to US territory.
We discussed the matter with the local authorities, and explained to them that this situation is, to a large extent, the result of the adoption of politically driven measures by the US, which hinder a regular, orderly and safe migration flow between Cuba and the US, as well as the USs noncompliance with the applicable migration agreements, particularly in terms of their failure to grant a minimum number of visas to Cuban citizens that wish to emigrate.
We also warned them about the media manipulation on Cuban migrants, the vast majority of whom traveled from Cuba, with their passports and the necessary visas, in compliance with the relevant migration regulations of Cuba and the countries of destination.
Additionally, we reported that, while attempting to irregularly reach US territory or other countries, Cuban nationals fall victim to traffickers and criminal gangs operating in the region, and in the context of COVID-19, any displacement entails an epidemiological risk.
We reaffirmed Cubas willingness, in accordance with the Cuban legislation, to receive all Cuban migrants who left the country legally and are now in Suriname with an irregular status and would like to return. We will provide these citizens with the necessary consular assistance and guarantee their voluntary and safe return.
The Cuban government reaffirms its commitment to securing a regular, orderly and safe migration, and guaranteeing Cuban citizens right to travel, in conformity with the requirements set by the Cuban migration legislation. Moreover, the Cuban government expresses its will to continue the cooperation and exchanges with Surinamese migration authorities.
Cuba also reiterates that Cuban citizens who permanently reside in the national territory are exceptionally allowed to return even if their passports have expired and they have not applied for an extension. This measure was adopted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic to assist those citizens who got stranded for reasons beyond their control.
Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Suriname
4 December 2020