A Cuban man has captivated thousands on social media by sharing his remarkable migration story, which includes a failed asylum attempt in the Netherlands and a poignant return years later as a tourist with a U.S. passport. "Hard to believe that seven years ago, I was imprisoned here in the Netherlands," begins @el_pepe9o, the Cuban TikTok user, as he narrates his journey filled with honesty, nostalgia, and humor. In 2017, he and his wife decided to leave Cuba spurred by a rumor that asylum was being granted in the Netherlands.
The couple originally departed from Havana to Moscow, though their plans took an unexpected turn. Their intention was to make a stopover in Amsterdam to seek international protection. This rumor propelled them to make one of the most pivotal decisions of their lives. Upon landing in the Netherlands, they were detained at Schiphol Airport, spending a week in custody while authorities verified their identities and ensured they posed no security threat.
Subsequently, they were moved to various refugee centers as they awaited the crucial court date that would determine their future. However, fate had other plans. On the day of the hearing, their train broke down, causing them to miss the appointment that could have altered their lives. Their asylum request was subsequently denied. "We had made efforts to integrate, learning the language, but nothing was enough," the Cuban recalls, describing how he and his wife shared a bottle of cider and chocolates with just five euros, contemplating their uncertain future in a park.
The Larger Context of Cuban Migration
This personal story is set against a broader migration backdrop. In 2017, there was a notable surge in asylum applications from Cubans in the Netherlands, prompting the Dutch government to enforce, starting January 2018, a transit visa requirement for Cuban nationals. According to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the time, this measure aimed to curb abuses of the asylum system.
Despite the pain of that period, he now sees it as part of his personal journey. "It's amazing how a passport changes things. Now we enter without any issues," he remarks about his return to the Netherlands, this time as a visitor under entirely different circumstances.
The video concludes with an uplifting message. "Being Cuban is sometimes 99% of the problems one faces. But if you're going through a tough time and don't understand why it's happening, trust the process. The only solution is to keep pushing forward. Life has something planned for you." His story, weaving together the realities of migration, the challenges of being Cuban abroad, and the power of resilience, has resonated with thousands who see themselves in his experience.
FAQs About Cuban Asylum Seekers in the Netherlands
Why did the Cuban couple choose the Netherlands for asylum?
The couple chose the Netherlands based on rumors that the country was granting political asylum, which prompted them to take the significant step of leaving Cuba.
What happened during their asylum process?
After being detained at Schiphol Airport, they spent time in refugee centers awaiting a court decision. Unfortunately, they missed their hearing due to a train delay, resulting in the denial of their asylum request.
How did the Dutch government respond to the increase in Cuban asylum requests?
In response to the rise in requests, the Dutch government introduced a transit visa requirement for Cuban citizens starting in January 2018 to prevent asylum system abuses.