Uruguay has become a new destination for Cuban migrants due to the ongoing economic and social crisis in Cuba. Notable increases in immigration rates and school enrollments for Cuban children have been recorded, reflecting a growing community. The country’s safety, immigration policies, and access to economic opportunities have attracted many Cubans seeking stability outside their home country.
Uruguay is increasingly being recognized as a favorable destination for Cuban migrants escaping the severe socio-economic crisis in their homeland. Rising inflation, shortages of essential goods, prolonged power outages, and intensified political repression have driven many Cubans to seek a better life abroad, particularly in South America, where Uruguay has emerged as a viable option.
Jorge Zamora, a Cuban from Guantánamo, embodies this trend. After spending five months in Brazil, where he struggled financially, Zamora relocated to Montevideo and established a small grocery store, combining it with a barbershop. “I spent five months in Brazil, but they don’t pay well enough to send money back home to the family. That’s why I’m here,” he shared, underlining the motivation behind his migration decision.
The Cuban immigrant population in Uruguay has notably increased, with official statistics indicating that from 2012 to 2023, 20% of all immigrants—approximately 12,400 individuals—were Cubans. This surge reflects a growing presence, with 2022 seeing a 388% rise in school enrollments for Cuban children compared to 2018. This data indicates the influx of families seeking more stable lives.
As asylum applications from Cubans exceeded 20,000 in 2024, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Nicolás Albertoni attributed this spike to a visa requirement that prompted many to apply for asylum instead. Legal advisor María del Carmen Pupo noted the increased inquiries from fellow Cubans, stating she struggles to manage the volume. She cited safety, immigration policies, legal stability, and access to jobs as key advantages that Uruguay offers over other destination countries.
Enrique López, a Cuban migrant who arrived in early 2025 after two years in Suriname, cited the manageable procedures for documentation and the ability to send financial support back home as critical factors influencing his decision to settle in Uruguay. While many Cubans traditionally pursue pathways to the United States, changing immigration policies and the dangers associated with that journey have led others to consider Uruguay as a safer, more permanent settlement destination.
The costs associated with emigrating to Uruguay are significantly lower compared to the U.S. route, costing about $3,200 compared to the U.S. journey’s potential expense of up to $10,000. For many Cubans now, Uruguay is not merely a transit point but a long-term destination for stability and security.
Uruguay is positioning itself as a prominent destination for Cuban migrants seeking refuge from the island’s crisis, with increased immigration rates and higher school enrollments of Cuban children indicating the establishment of a growing community. The country’s favorable conditions, including safety and legal stability, alongside the potential for economic opportunities, make it an attractive choice for those leaving Cuba. As the trend continues, Uruguay is likely to play a significant role in reshaping patterns of migration from Cuba.
Original Source: en.cibercuba.com
