Washington: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday that visa restrictions will be imposed on several unnamed Central American government officials. These officials are reportedly linked to Cuba’s medical mission programs, which have come under scrutiny for alleged elements of forced labor and exploitation of Cuban workers.
According to Namibia Press Agency,the visa restrictions are part of efforts to hold accountable those who are said to support and perpetuate these exploitative practices. Rubio emphasized the importance of these steps in promoting accountability.
Havana has consistently denied accusations related to forced labor and exploitation within its medical mission programs. Despite these denials, the U.S. government is proceeding with restrictions that also extend to the family members of the implicated officials.
This move follows additional visa restrictions introduced by the State Department in late February. These previous restrictions targeted any current or former Cuban go
vernment officials involved in the labor program responsible for sending workers, particularly healthcare professionals, overseas.