The United States has announced an expansion of its visa restrictions policy aimed at combating forced labour linked to Cuba’s labour export programme.
The new policy targets current and former Cuban government officials, as well as foreign government officials and individuals involved in the program, including Cuba’s overseas medical missions.
The policy also applies to the immediate family members of those individuals. Under this expanded policy, the U.S. Department of State has already imposed visa restrictions on several individuals, including Venezuelans.
The move is part of the U.S. efforts to counter forced labour practices globally and promote accountability for those responsible for exploiting Cuban workers.
Cuba’s labour export programmes, including medical missions, have been criticised for enriching the Cuban regime while depriving ordinary Cubans of much-needed medical care.
The visa restriction policy is authorized under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
