US visa restrictions target officials linked to Cuba’s controversial medical mission program, citing exploitation of healthcare workers

The US visa restrictions announced this week will affect select African, Cuban, and Grenadan government officials, along with their families, over alleged ties to Cuba’s controversial “medical mission” programme.

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According to the U.S. State Department, the scheme deploys Cuban medical professionals overseas at high fees, with the Cuban regime keeping most of the earnings.

Washington claims the practice enriches a corrupt government while depriving Cubans of essential healthcare services at home.

The U.S. urged participating nations to pay the doctors directly, bypassing what it described as the regime’s “slave masters.”

Officials stressed that such coercive labour practices violate human rights and vowed to maintain pressure on Havana until the system ends.

Reaffirming its commitment to the Cuban people’s freedom and dignity, Washington called on all democratic nations to unite against what it sees as state-sponsored exploitation.

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The US visa restrictions are part of broader measures aimed at confronting human rights abuses and promoting accountability.