U.S. Expands Visa Restrictions Targeting Cuban Forced Labor Practices

The new policy bars visas for officials involved in Cuba's labor export programs, including overseas medical missions, citing exploitation and deprivation of healthcare for Cubans.

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced expanded visa restrictions on Cuban officials and foreign collaborators linked to Cuba's labor export programs.
• The policy also applies to the immediate family members of individuals involved in these programs, which include Cuba's overseas medical missions.
• The United States accuses Cuba of profiting from forced labor, with healthcare workers sent abroad under coercive conditions while depriving Cubans of essential medical care.
• Several Venezuelan officials have already been sanctioned under the expanded policy, reflecting broader U.S. efforts to counter forced labor globally.
• Cuba's medical missions, a significant source of revenue for the regime, have faced longstanding criticism for exploiting workers and restricting their freedoms.

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