Central American Officials Face U.S. Visa Restrictions

The United States announced visa restrictions on unnamed Central American government officials and their family members for their involvement in Cuba’s ‘controversial medical export programme’, which U.S. officials describe as a form of forced labour.

The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of State.

According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the targeted officials are linked to Cuban medical missions that the U.S. says exploit healthcare workers while enriching the Cuban government. Rubio stated the programme denies ordinary Cubans access to essential medical care while propping up what he called a corrupt regime.

“These steps promote accountability for those who support and perpetuate these exploitative practices,” Rubio said. “The Cuban labour export programme abuses the participants, enriches the corrupt Cuban regime, and deprives everyday Cubans of essential medical care.”

Rubio did not name the officials or countries affected, but he urged other governments to join the U.S. in condemning the programme.

Whether Belizean officials are among those sanctioned remains unclear. However, what is clear is that Belize has publicly supported the Cuban medical missions. “Belize has consistently supported our friends in Cuba in any way we can,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca in August 2024.

Three months ago in March, Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard echoed that support, stating that Cuban doctors, nurses, and other medical staff have long worked in Belize. “I don’t want to get into that diplomatic issue, but all I can say is that I know that Belize continues to enjoy the relationship we have with Cuba. We also have a good relationship with the United States of America, and I’m very sure that the two Foreign Affairs Ministries are working it out and having discussions with the government, clearing up some of the concerns that the U.S. government had.”

That same month, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley also strongly defended Cuba’s medical missions in the Caribbean. “I don’t believe we have to shout across the seas, but I am prepared, like others in this region, that if we cannot reach a sensible agreement on this matter, and if the cost of it is the loss of my U.S. visa, then so be it,” she declared.

Cuba’s foreign ministry has yet to respond to the U.S. announcement. Havana has long dismissed similar accusations and defended its medical missions as acts of international solidarity.