The United States government has blocked necessary travel permits for Cuban regime officials, preventing them from attending the 62nd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington D.C., which commenced this Monday. According to statements made to Prensa Latina, Tania Margarita Cruz, First Deputy Minister of Public Health, accused Washington of exploiting the requirement for a travel permit to hinder her participation as head of the Cuban delegation. Cruz is currently in New York as part of the delegation attending the High-Level Segment of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
"This action represents discriminatory treatment against Cuba, a full and active member of PAHO," Cruz stated, further voicing her concerns on the social media platform X. "Instead of fulfilling its obligations as the host country, the United States uses its position to silence Cuba," she added. Another Cuban official was unable to travel due to a visa refusal, as explained by Cruz.
Impact of Visa Denials Amid Ongoing Political Tensions
The Cuban official defended the international record of Cuba's so-called "medical cooperation," emphasizing that thousands of the island's professionals have worked in various countries across the region, with the Cuban health system receiving praise from both the WHO and PAHO. However, these positive remarks often overlook frequent criticisms aimed at Cuban medical missions for labor exploitation, political control, and the appropriation of salaries by the Cuban state.
This exclusion of the Cuban delegation occurs against a backdrop of ongoing political tensions between Washington and Havana, with the U.S. maintaining a firm stance on denying automatic diplomatic privileges to regime officials, even at multilateral events.
Previous Cases of Visa Refusals
The PAHO Directing Council, an annual event, gathers health ministers and authorities from across the continent to discuss regional health strategies. This year's session will conclude on Friday, October 3rd. In a similar vein, in April 2025, a group of students from Cuba's National School of Arts (ENA) was unable to participate in a much-anticipated cultural exchange with students from Berkeley High School (BHS) in California, following the denial of their visa applications to enter the United States. Additionally, the Cuban women's volleyball team will miss the NORCECA Final Four due to visa denials, echoing the situation faced by the delegation scheduled for the 2025 World Masters Indoor Athletics Championship.
Common Questions About U.S. Visa Denials to Cuban Officials
What is the reason behind the U.S. denying travel permits to Cuban officials?
The U.S. government has maintained a firm stance against granting automatic diplomatic privileges to Cuban regime officials, reflecting ongoing political tensions between the two countries.
How has this affected Cuba's participation in international events?
Cuba has been unable to participate in several international events, including health conferences and cultural exchanges, due to visa denials, which restrict the movement of Cuban officials and delegations.
Have any other Cuban groups been affected by U.S. visa denials?
Yes, other groups such as Cuban students and sports teams have also been impacted by U.S. visa denials, preventing them from participating in cultural and sporting events in the United States.