The Cuban Ministry of the Interior (MININT) announced on Tuesday that the country is currently facing a shortage of plastic cards required for issuing identity documents. This predicament has been attributed to the "intensified economic, commercial, and financial blockade" imposed by the United States government.
A statement posted on the official Minint Hoy Facebook page by the Directorate of Identification, Immigration, and Foreigners (DIIE) confirmed the "lack of availability of cards for producing identity documents," thus hindering the issuance of ID cards in their present form.
The announcement stated that individuals who had previously requested a new ID due to loss, address change, wear, or other reasons, and are still waiting, can now visit the relevant offices to obtain a Certification of Identity if needed.
The MININT reassured that the Offices of Procedures will continue to accept applications for both identity cards and minors' cards. However, applicants will receive a provisional certification until the final document becomes available.
Additionally, the institution clarified that current identity documents will remain valid regardless of their expiry date, as long as they allow full identification of the holder. This applies to both the booklet format and the plasticized version.
The entity also mentioned that temporary adjustments will be communicated to the central state administration bodies that provide services to the public, aiming to adapt their protocols accordingly.
Once the necessary materials are procured, the country will resume the production of identity cards and minors' cards, and a timeline for collection will be announced, considering the backlog of requests.
The struggle to obtain an ID card is not unprecedented. Last September, a young Cuban woman recounted her ordeal in renewing her document, which involved endless queues, system failures, and over a month of waiting to receive the final ID card.
This latest disruption in the issuance of official documents unfolds amid a severe economic crisis on the island, characterized by shortages of basic supplies, breakdowns in essential services, and logistical challenges that severely affect the daily lives of citizens. Authorities have yet to disclose how long this shortage will persist or the number of pending requests.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's ID Card Shortage
What is causing the shortage of ID cards in Cuba?
The shortage of ID cards in Cuba is attributed to the intensified economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government.
How can Cubans obtain a provisional identity certification?
Cubans who have requested a new ID card and are still waiting can visit the relevant offices to obtain a Certification of Identity if needed.
Will existing identity documents remain valid?
Yes, existing identity documents will remain valid as long as they allow full identification of the holder, regardless of their expiry date.