Yalina González Morales, a 29-year-old from Mayabeque, Cuba, boarded a plane in Russia under police supervision, convinced she was heading back to her homeland.
Russian authorities had assured her of this after months in a migration detention center. But upon landing, she found herself not in Havana, but in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, over 11,000 kilometers away from Cuba, according to a report by Cubanet on August 14.
The report reveals that Yalina was not allowed to check her ticket or know the flight's destination. She was escorted directly to the airport and handed over to the crew. It wasn't until she crossed the Uzbek border control and retrieved her passport did she realize the truth.
"We were told we were going straight to Cuba. It was all lies, all deception," she lamented.
Unexpected Journey and Uncertain Future
Yalina and her husband, Ronniel, had left Cuba on April 6, 2025, bound for Russia, taking advantage of the visa-free agreement between the two countries that allows stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
Like many other Cubans driven by economic hardship, they chose this route for its relative accessibility, though the agreement doesn’t permit employment or ensure residency beyond the stipulated period.
The couple found work in Kolomna, around 100 kilometers southeast of Moscow, with a company known as Progress Service. For about 10 months, they cleaned streets, collected garbage, and removed ice during winter.
"You have to exert too much physical effort. They pay below the basic salary and exploit you excessively," Yalina recounted. Eleven people shared a two-bedroom apartment, costing the couple around $300 monthly.
Detention and Deportation
On April 27, the police detained them. They spent three nights in a police station, sleeping on the floor without regular access to food or water, before being moved to a deportation center for nearly three months. In total, they were held for about four months.
Upon her release, Yalina was given no explanation for why Uzbekistan was chosen as her destination nor the conditions for her entry. Her husband Ronniel remained detained in Russia, and as of the report's publication, she had no clear information about his status.
In Uzbekistan, officials warned her that she could only stay for a month. After that, she fears arrest and deportation to another country, possibly Tajikistan. "We have to live in hiding because this country has its laws, and we aren’t citizens here. Without registration, the police can detain us and impose huge fines," she explained.
Challenges of Returning to Cuba
Returning to Cuba isn't a viable option for her. There are no direct flights from Tashkent to Havana; the only available route involves flying with Turkish Airlines through Istanbul, a journey exceeding 18 hours. A fare check on August 11 showed one-way tickets ranging from $1,310 to $1,703, an amount neither she nor her family in Cuba can afford.
Yalina's case isn't unique. Other Cubans deported from Russia have also been sent to Uzbekistan and are scattered, some lacking resources and shelter. They have formed a Telegram group to stay in touch.
International reports suggest at least 19 Cuban citizens were deported from various Russian regions in 2025 for immigration violations, though the actual number might be much higher.
This trend is part of a tightening Russian migration policy. In July 2026, Russia introduced new rules requiring foreigners to leave within 15 days if they lose employment or fail to meet the minimum income requirement.
During 2025, some 24,683 Cuban citizens entered Russia, according to the FSB Border Service statistics reported by TASS.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Deportations from Russia
Why was Yalina González Morales deported to Uzbekistan?
Yalina was deported to Uzbekistan due to Russian authorities' decision, despite being initially promised a return to Cuba. She was not informed of the true destination until after her arrival in Tashkent.
What challenges do deported Cubans face in Uzbekistan?
Deported Cubans in Uzbekistan face legal uncertainties, risk of further deportation, and financial challenges. Many lack the resources to return to Cuba or establish a stable life in Uzbekistan.
How has Russia's migration policy changed recently?
Russia's migration policy has become stricter, with new regulations requiring foreigners to leave within 15 days if they lose their job or fail to maintain the required income level.