Uruguay Emerges as a New Haven for Cuban Migrants Seeking Stability

Uruguay is becoming a favored destination for Cuban migrants fleeing crises in Cuba, with significant increases in immigration and asylum applications over the past decade. The South American country offers favorable living conditions and accessible residency processes, inspiring many Cubans to settle permanently. As a result, the Cuban community in Uruguay has grown considerably, with notable increases in school enrollments and overall population.

In recent years, Uruguay has emerged as a prominent destination for Cuban migrants seeking relief from the ongoing economic, political, and social crises in Cuba. Escalating inflation, severe shortages of essential goods, extended power outages, and increasing repression contribute significantly to the migration of Cubans to alternative countries, with South America presenting a feasible option.

Among those migrating is Jorge Zamora, a 32-year-old from Guantánamo. After spending five months in Brazil, where he found inadequate wages to sustain his family back home, he relocated to Montevideo, where he opened a grocery store that also serves as a barbershop. Zamora conveyed, “I spent five months in Brazil, but they do not pay well enough to send money back home to the family. That is why I am here.”

The Cuban expatriate community in Uruguay has notably surged, reflecting the nation’s economic growth and its attractive living conditions. From 2012 to 2023, 20% of immigrants in Uruguay were Cuban, equating to approximately 12,400 individuals, as reported by official sources. The school enrollment of Cuban children in Uruguay witnessed a staggering increase of 388% in 2022 compared to 2018, demonstrating that entire families are migrating in search of better prospects.

In 2024, Cuban citizens submitted over 20,000 asylum applications in Uruguay. Nicolás Albertoni, the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, attributed this rise to the recent visa requirements, prompting many to pursue asylum as a pathway to residency. María del Carmen Pupo, a Cuban immigrant offering legal assistance, affirmed the community’s expansion, stating, “I receive so many inquiries that I can no longer handle the phone by myself.”

Enrique López, another Cuban migrant, chose Uruguay for its favorable conditions for remitting money home and the straightforward process for acquiring immigration documents. Many Cubans still aim to reach the United States; however, heightened immigration restrictions and travel risks have shifted some attention to safer and more economical options.

While the journey to the United States can cost approximately $10,000, relocating to Uruguay generally incurs expenses around $3,200. As a result, Uruguay has transformed from a mere stepping stone towards the U.S. into a permanent home for numerous Cubans, fostering a stable and secure living environment.

The growing trend of Cuban migration to Uruguay highlights the dire circumstances in Cuba and the appeal of Uruguay’s favorable living conditions, security, and immigration policies. The sharp rise in the Cuban community, coupled with increases in school enrollment and asylum applications, underscores Uruguay’s emergence as a welcoming destination for migrants seeking stability. As more Cubans choose to settle in Uruguay, the country solidifies its position as an attractive locale for those escaping hardships in their homeland.

Original Source: en.cibercuba.com