On Tuesday, the US State Department announced the expansion of its visa restriction policy to target individuals involved in exploiting Cuban labor, particularly related to the Cuban labor export program. This expanded policy now applies to current and former Cuban government officials, as well as foreign government officials, who are believed to be responsible for or involved in the program, especially Cuba’s overseas medical missions.
The decision to expand the policy is based on Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The US State Department clarified that the policy also applies to the immediate family members of these individuals.
The expansion of visa restrictions comes after several actions taken against individuals, including Venezuelans, under the same policy. According to the statement, Cuba continues to profit from the forced labor of its workers, with the regime's coercive and abusive labor practices well-documented.
The Cuban regime’s labor export programs, particularly the overseas medical missions, not only benefit the government but also deprive ordinary Cubans of essential medical care within their own country. The United States emphasized its commitment to countering forced labor practices worldwide and called for accountability for those responsible for exploiting Cuban workers.
The US State Department reiterated that this move is part of the broader effort to address human rights abuses and to ensure that individuals complicit in forced labor are held accountable.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
