Cuban nationals with irregular immigration status are reportedly being detained in Moscow and sent to the deportation facility in Sakharovo, located approximately 70 kilometers from the Russian capital. These individuals are held for an indefinite period without the ability to communicate with family members or the Cuban consulate, according to reports released on April 2 by the Telegram channel "Ostorozhno Novosti," based on testimonies from relatives of those detained.
These reports highlight that Russian authorities have ramped up checks on the immigration status of Cuban citizens in recent months. Those found with documentation issues are being transported directly to the detention center, where they are cut off from outside contact.
Documented cases underscore the severity of the situation: at least one Cuban individual was confined for 71 days in Sakharovo, while two others were deported after more than six months in detention there.
The Complexities of Deporting Cubans from Russia
Deporting Cuban nationals from Russia has become a logistically challenging process, exacerbated by the cessation of direct flights between the two countries. Since February 2026, Russian airlines Rossiya and Nordwind have halted their routes to Cuba due to a shortage of aviation fuel at Cuban airports, necessitating deportations via Istanbul, thereby increasing both the cost and duration of the process.
Russian Parliamentary Response to Detention Claims
On April 3, State Duma Deputy Mikhail Matveev responded to these reports in comments to Gazeta.ru, claiming to be unaware of any targeted actions against Cubans. "To be honest, I don't have information about any special actions being carried out specifically against Cubans," the lawmaker stated.
Nevertheless, Matveev vowed to submit a parliamentary inquiry to Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate the matter and urged caution in handling these migrants. "In my view, Cuban migrants are, in some sense, more akin to Russia than those from Central Asia," he remarked, adding that "the current situation concerning Cuba calls for careful consideration when making such decisions."
The deputy also suggested that authorities should examine the reasons behind the immigration violations before taking action: "We need to understand the cause of their violations of immigration laws. If it is related to some humanitarian issue, then we must be more cautious."
Russia's Stricter Immigration Policies
Russia's tightening of immigration policies has clear precedents. Since February 2025, the country introduced a new regime requiring biometrics, drug tests, Russian language proficiency, and medical certificates to regularize immigration status, and reduced the visa-free stay period from 90 days in six months to 90 days per year. Additionally, it enabled deportation without prior trial, with re-entry bans of up to ten years. In 2024, Russia deported over 80,000 foreigners, nearly double the number in 2023.
The plight of Cubans in Russia is fraught with tragedy. On January 27, 2026, four Cubans perished in a fire at an illegal hostel in Balashikha, near Moscow, where they lived under dire conditions. Ukrainian intelligence also reported the presence of over 1,076 Cubans in the ranks of the Russian military, with at least 96 dead or missing, in what is described as a misleading and coercive recruitment phenomenon dating back to 2023.
Key Questions about Cuban Migrants in Russia
Why are Cuban migrants being held indefinitely in Russia?
Cuban migrants are reportedly detained indefinitely due to their irregular immigration status, with no contact allowed with the outside world, as Russian authorities intensify status checks.
What challenges are faced in deporting Cubans from Russia?
The deportation process is complicated by the lack of direct flights between Russia and Cuba, requiring stops in Istanbul, which increases both the cost and time involved.
How has Russia's immigration policy changed recently?
Russia has implemented stricter immigration policies since February 2025, including biometric requirements, drug tests, and reduced visa-free stay periods, along with the possibility of deportation without trial.