The Cuban government will introduce substantial changes in its immigration policy with a marked impact in these and other areas. We explain to you.
Many Cubans who are outside Cuba for several months have concerns about their immigration status, and how much they could be affected if they spend more than two years abroad.
Among the most frequently asked questions are those linked to the possible loss of their homes or properties on the island, the elimination of their pensions and other benefits associated with permanent resident status.
It is true, according to current law, Cuban citizens who remain outside the country for more than 24 months without returning lose their legal residence in Cuba, and a series of rights associated with that condition. However, the regulations have been modified with indefinite extensions to allow stays of more than two years abroad.
In other words, we reiterate once again that As of today, the 24-month regulation is not being applied as maximum length of stay abroad. Any fear in that sense is totally unfounded.
But more than that: the government has proposed eliminating this controversial guideline, and promoting other initiatives that improve its relationship with emigrants. Measures that even go in the direction of allowing entry with other passports to Cubans naturalized in other countries.
All this has become known after the disclosure by the Cuban government of two draft Immigration and Immigration Laws. In this legal body still under review and that will eventually be submitted for approval, the elimination of the aforementioned limit of 2 years (that is, 24 months) of maximum stay outside the island without losing their status as residents is envisioned.
Forced to change his relationship with emigrants
The Cuban government cannot sit idly by in the face of the largest exodus of nationals in history. He sees the obligation to improve ties with his emigrants. That is why a series of modifications have been proposed that go in the direction of maintaining ties with those Cubans who decided to leave the island.
In the bill itself it can be clearly read:
“The 24-month stay abroad and the designation of migrant for this reason are eliminated, based on the new definition of effective immigration residence.”
In other words, a new term is even introduced to erase the differences between emigrants and residents, as is usually indicated today in official legal discourse.
Property is not lost in Cuba and can be inherited while abroad
The definition of “effective immigration residence” will serve to refer to those Cuban citizens and resident foreigners who spend the majority of the year in Cuba. Or for those who demonstrate an indisputable connection with the island, through properties and material ties.
And this is another interesting point about the new bills. Cubans who spend more than two years outside the island would be allowed not only to keep their homes and properties, but even to inherit even while abroad.
With the new legislation, Cubans will no longer be subject to the classification of migrants for exceeding 24 months or two years outside the country. Something that will facilitate your mobility, belonging and connection with Cuba.
This is a much more modern legislative proposal, and unthinkable in those times when the speech was: “let them go, we don’t want them.” Or the material inventories that used to be made to confiscate everything on the properties of those who were thinking of emigrating.
As we have noted, these legislative projects are still in the review and consultation phase, but if approved, they will profoundly transform Cuba’s migratory dynamics, offering new opportunities and flexibilities to Cuban citizens.
Here you can consult the bills in full.
immigration-law-bill_Cuba
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