The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced on Tuesday, June 3, the withdrawal of visas to several officials of Central American governments who collaborate with Cuban medical missions, although he did not reveal their identities.
In an official statement, the head of American diplomacy said that these officials are involved in the hiring of Cuban medical missions in their countries, which, according to the administration of Donald Trump, constitute a form of forced labor.
“The Cuban labor export program abuses its participants, enriches the corrupt Cuban regime and deprives the citizens of the island of essential medical care that they need so much,” said Rubio.
With the implementation of these visa restrictions, he added, the United States sends “a clear message about its commitment to the promotion of human rights and respect for labor rights worldwide.”
Rubio, of Cuban origin, also urged other countries to adopt similar measures.
In February, the United States had expanded the visa restriction policy against people who benefit from what qualifies as labor exploitation of Cuban workers abroad, including those who participate in the organization of medical missions.
Cuba, on the other hand, categorically rejected Washington’s accusations, defended his medical cooperation program – one of the main sources of foreign exchange of the country – and denounced what he considers a campaign against him and against his health professionals.
Along the same lines, leaders of the Caribbean community (CARICOM), whose health systems depend largely on Cuban medical staff, defended the hiring of these professionals and denied that it is a form of exploitation.