Russian authorities have expelled two Cuban nationals who had completed prison sentences for serious offenses and have barred them from re-entering the country for an extended period.
The deportation took place on August 18, when the two individuals were escorted to a Moscow airport for their return to Cuba, as reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Mordovia.
Born in 1997 and 1987, the men served their sentences at facilities operated by Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN).
One individual was convicted of violent sexual acts, a crime under Article 132 of the Russian Penal Code. The other served time for aggravated illegal possession of narcotics, as outlined in Article 228.
Upon release from prison, Russian authorities deemed their presence in the country as legally "undesirable" and placed them in a temporary detention center for foreigners while preparing for their deportation.
Now outside Russian territory, both face a re-entry ban "for an extended period," although the Ministry of Internal Affairs did not specify the duration.
This case stands apart from many recent deportations of Cubans in Russia, which have mostly involved immigration violations such as staying in the country illegally or working without proper authorization. In this instance, the two had already served prison sentences.
Stricter Immigration Policies in Russia
The deportation comes amid a tightening of Russian immigration policies. In July 2026, Russia implemented new residency rules requiring unemployed immigrants or those with insufficient income to leave the country within 15 days or face deportation.
Additionally, in August, reports emerged that some Cubans were being sent to third countries due to complications in arranging direct repatriation to Cuba.
Criminal proceedings against Cuban citizens in Russia are not uncommon. In February, a young Cuban was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison in Volgograd for attempting to distribute drugs within an organized group.
Actions against Cuban migrants have surged across various Russian regions in recent years. For example, in May 2025, 17 Cubans detained in Krasnodar were deported for illegal residence in the country.
FAQs on Cuban Deportations from Russia
What crimes were the deported Cubans convicted of?
One was convicted of violent sexual acts, and the other for aggravated illegal possession of narcotics.
Why are these deportations different from others?
Unlike many recent deportations related to immigration violations, in this case, the individuals had completed prison sentences for serious crimes.
What is the duration of the re-entry ban?
The exact length of the re-entry ban has not been specified by Russian authorities.