Uruguay is becoming a preferred destination for Cuban migrants escaping their island’s crises amid inflation, shortages, and repression. From 2012-2023, approximately 20% of immigrants to Uruguay were Cuban, with notable increases in school enrollment. Asylum applications are surging, highlighting the country’s attractivity due to stability, safety, and accessible residency processes.
Uruguay is emerging as a favorable destination for Cuban migrants seeking to escape the dire economic, political, and social conditions in their homeland. The persistent inflation, scarcity of essential items, power outages, and increasing repression are compelling many Cubans to look for opportunities abroad, with Uruguay being one of the preferred choices in South America.
Jorge Zamora, a 32-year-old from Guantánamo, represents the growing number of Cubans choosing Uruguay over the perilous journey to the United States. After a five-month stay in Brazil, he relocated to Montevideo, where he established a grocery store combined with a barbershop. He remarked on the inadequate pay in Brazil that prevented him from supporting his family back home, which motivated his move to Uruguay.
Between 2012 and 2023, the influx of Cuban immigrants to Uruguay has surged, with approximately 20% of all immigrants, or around 12,400 individuals, coming from Cuba. Notably, the enrollment of Cuban children in schools skyrocketed by 388% in 2022 compared to 2018, indicating a trend of entire families migrating in search of stability.
This year, over 20,000 asylum applications have been submitted by Cuban citizens in Uruguay. Nicolás Albertoni, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, noted that many migrants are utilizing the asylum process as a way to navigate visa requirements for entering the country. María del Carmen Pupo, a resident who emigrated five years ago, now assists her compatriots with legal matters, highlighting the community’s rapid growth and Uruguay’s attractive attributes such as legal stability and accessible job opportunities.
Many Cuban migrants still aim for the United States, yet the uncertainties stemming from the prior administration’s immigration policies have made alternatives like Uruguay more appealing. The cost to emigrate to the U.S. can escalate to approximately $10,000, while the expenses associated with moving to Uruguay are about $3,200. This cost-effectiveness has led some Cubans to view Uruguay not merely as a transit point but as a permanent home.
Uruguay’s appeal as a destination for Cuban migrants is attributed to its political, social, and economic stability, as well as the overall security in comparison to various other Latin American nations. Additionally, the process for obtaining legal residency—and ultimately citizenship—remains relatively straightforward, contributing to the growing Cuban population in the region.
In conclusion, Uruguay has positioned itself as a haven for Cuban migrants seeking refuge from their country’s crises. With increasing numbers of arrivals, significant improvements in educational enrollment, and a community that thrives on legal stability and economic opportunity, Uruguay is no longer a mere stopover for migrants. Rather, it is solidifying its status as a desirable destination. The combination of affordability, safety, and prospects for the future assures many Cubans a better life away from their homeland.
Original Source: en.cibercuba.com
