Cuba is well known for its limitations, getting in the country, and getting out. For many years it has been difficult for Americans to get into the country. Now, however it is getting a little bit easier for Cubans to leave their own country.
The New York Times reported that the restrictions that have bee placed on Cubans where they need a visa to exit the country, is going to be lifted. Even for Cubans wanting to take a short vacation for the weekend had to get a visa in order to leave their own country.
On Tuesday the Cuban Government announced that "as of Jan. 13, letting many Cubans depart for vacations, or forever, with only a passport and a visa from the country where they plan to go. The new policy - promised by President Raúl Castro last year, and finally announced in the Communist Party newspaper - represents the latest significant step by the Cuban government to answer demands for change from Cubans, while also maintaining a significant measure of control," reported The New York Times.
The New York Times reported that the old law was in order to "preserve the human capital created by the Revolution in the face of the theft of talent applied by the powerful." So still, even with the new restriction in place, doctors, scientists and other professionals may not be eligible for the new visa rule.
The new law gives Cubans the opportunity to leave the country with minimal planning and th stay abroad for longer periods of time. The new law states that they can stay abroad for a period of up to two years without losing any rights to citizenship or property and healthcare, reported The New York Times. This is an increase from the old policy which was only 11 months.
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