"I Love Miami"
A Message Loud and Clear
Will They Travel Now?
* Move eliminates need for citizens to have exit visa
* Restrictions have been imposed since 1961
* Latest reform under President Raul Castro
By Jeff Franks
HAVANA, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Cuba will scrap much-reviled travel restrictions starting in January, making it easier for its citizens to leave the communist-ruled island in the first major reform to its migration policies in half a century.
The changes reverse tough restrictions imposed in 1961 when the government tried to put the brakes on a mass migration of people fleeing after the 1959 revolution that put Fidel Castro in power.
The government said on Tuesday it would lift requirements to obtain an exit visa permitting departure from Cuba and a letter of invitation from someone in the destination country, putting an end to a process that Cubans complained was too time consuming and expensive, with no guarantee of final approval.
Now, most Cubans will only have to show their passports, national identity cards and, if needed, a visa from the country they will visit to go abroad, deputy immigration chief Colonel Lamberto Fraga told reporters.
In theory, the changes should make it easier for Cubans not only to travel but to work abroad and return home when they want.
But Cubans will still need to obtain visas from most countries, which may not be easy because of fears that those who were granted tourist visas might not want to return to the island.
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Great portrait of them. Nice lighting, too - crisp.
ReplyDeleteI hope so they are able at last to get a look at the world around them. Such a pity to be locked in in such a small country.
ReplyDeletebeaux portraits, ils sont tres sympa
ReplyDeleteThank goodness the exit visas are being waived because it was my understanding that the cost of the visa and the passport was out of reach of so many Cuban people.
ReplyDeleteHope and excitement shine in the faces of these young men!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a happy portrait!
ReplyDeleteI love the optimism in those faces.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, hopeful faces and news. I love how you've captured both.
ReplyDeleteCool portrait and great tree in the background.
ReplyDeleteLooks like they could be brothers.
ReplyDeleteI hope that this is as much as an improvement as it seems when the rubber finally meets the road. It's been such a very long time coming.
ReplyDeleteI heard this bit of news when you were still in Cuba and I thought about you. I wondered if it was as big a news story there as it was here.
ReplyDeleteYou were in Cuba, how cool! I lived in Puerto Rico for years... our immigration policy is a mess. Tell them to avoid Arizona at all cost! Loved this picture of true friends; your info is right on! Peace, Amy
ReplyDeletehttp://sharplittlepencil.com/2012/11/04/because-i-can/