The United States has resumed full immigrant visa services at its embassy in Cuba’s capital, five years after Washington closed consular services in Havana due to a spate of unexplained health incidents.

The reopening came amid a record exodus from the communist island to the United States, mainly by undocumented migrants, as Cuba suffers its worst economic crisis in 30 years. The increasing number of illegal migrations has fuelled calls for US President Joe Biden’s administration to open more legal pathways to Cubans and start a dialogue with the Cuban government, despite a historically tense relationship.

In a statement last week, the embassy confirmed that it would begin processing immigrant visas on Wednesday, including permits for Cubans reuniting with family in the US and others chosen through the diversity visa lottery.

Cubans, many of whom had been waiting for years, rejoiced at the new ease of access. Since 2017, Cubans were instead required to travel to Guyana for visa processing, a costly trip well out of reach for most on the island. The U.S. embassy in Havana began limited visa processing last year and in September announced the 2023 full reopening, to "ensure safe, legal, and orderly migration of Cubans," it said.

Tourist visas remain off limits for now. The consulate was also resuming the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program, which allows islanders who qualify to join relatives in the United States without an immigrant visa.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez welcomed the resumption of services on Wednesday as a “necessary and correct step”, but said the US should go further. The process “doesn’t yet include non-immigrant visas, which hinders family visits and cultural, sports & scientific exchanges, which #Cuba continues to be open to”, he tweeted.

Image source: Reuters