After spending about a week adrift on a makeshift wooden boat, 17 Haitian migrants who reached Playa Siboney in Santiago de Cuba have set off back to Haiti from Antonio Maceo International Airport this Tuesday.
The Cuban Red Cross described this departure as voluntary, though no direct statements from the migrants themselves have been disclosed regarding the process.
Aris Arias Batalla, who oversees Operations and Relief for the Cuban Red Cross in Santiago de Cuba, shared on Facebook that the Haitians departed from the Santiago airport and would soon reunite with their families.
“A voluntary and compassionate return took place just minutes ago at Antonio Maceo International Airport in Santiago de Cuba,” he wrote.
The group, consisting of 14 men, one woman, a girl, and a boy, arrived at Playa Siboney during the night of September 21.
These migrants had been at sea for approximately seven days on a rudimentary wooden vessel before reaching Cuban shores.
The Unexpected Journey
Initial reports suggested that their intended destination was the United States. However, the Cuban Red Cross later clarified that the boat had set sail aiming for Jamaica, but adverse sea conditions diverted it to Santiago de Cuba instead.
Upon arrival, the 17 Haitians underwent medical evaluations and received food, water, and healthcare assistance. Authorities noted that none of them exhibited any immediate health risks.
Special attention was given to the woman and the two children traveling with the group. Following this, Immigration and Foreigners authorities conducted identification procedures before coordinating their return.
Historic Context of Haitian Arrivals in Cuba
This is not the first instance of Haitians arriving en masse in Cuba. The island has previously received boats carrying Haitian migrants that were rerouted during Caribbean voyages.
A notably significant case occurred in May 2022, when over 800 Haitians landed on the shores of Caibarién, in Villa Clara. They were subsequently repatriated to Haiti from Abel Santamaría Airport, in a process organized with the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The return of these 17 migrants happens amidst a severe humanitarian and security crisis in Haiti, characterized by armed group violence and widespread internal displacement.
By August 2026, the IOM estimated around 1.49 million internally displaced persons in Haiti, as violence expanded into areas previously deemed safe.
The security crisis has also resulted in a high casualty toll. According to United Nations figures cited by Human Rights Watch, at least 19,380 people were killed between January 2023 and June 2026 in violence involving criminal groups, self-defense factions, and state security forces.
In such dire circumstances, thousands of Haitians continue to flee their communities, moving both within and outside the country, while the perilous Caribbean maritime routes remain a pathway for those seeking to escape violence and hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions about Haitian Migrants in Cuba
Why did the Haitian migrants end up in Cuba?
The Haitian migrants were initially aiming for Jamaica, but due to adverse sea conditions, their boat was diverted to Santiago de Cuba.
How did the Cuban authorities assist the migrants upon their arrival?
Upon their arrival, the migrants received medical evaluations, food, water, and healthcare assistance, ensuring none had immediate health concerns.
What are the main factors driving Haitians to leave their country?
Haitians are leaving due to a severe humanitarian and security crisis, marked by violence from armed groups and significant internal displacement.