Update to CUB31690.E and CUB32017.F of 14 June 1999 on the different types of temporary exit permits issued by the Cuban government which authorize short-term visits abroad; whether the Cuban government issues a separate document authorizing the return of the temporary exit permit holder or whether the exit permit constitutes the return permit; and on the official passport, including the status conferred on the holder, the categories of persons who possess it and whether it issued with an exit permit or a Canadian Working Permit [CUB32334.E]

An immigration counsellor at the Canadian Embassy in Havana provided the following information in a 24 June 1999 letter sent to the Research Directorate.

Persons travelling on an Official Passport are allowed to be outside of Cuba according to the specific time they will need for the duty to be performed. If the officer needs an extension of the time for some reason, this would have to be authorized by the proper authorities of his work place and immigration.

Official Passports are given to every person travelling outside of Cuba for an official visit; this is anyone travelling to represent the Cuban government. This will include officers going on business trips, for sport competitions, international conferences, etc. In 1993, Cuban authorities prepared the Ordinary Passport with a stamp which had the effect of an Official Passport. In 1996, this procedure was cancelled and the new Official Passports were re-issued.

Officers travelling with Official Passports do not have to be accompanied with a Canadian Working Permit or any other document.

The Cuban Government does not issue any separate document to persons travelling for short-term visits abroad or to persons going to work for short or long terms. The passport is stamped each time the person travels outside of Cuba giving the specific time of the visit. This is considered as the exit permit.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Reference


Canadian Embassy, Havana, Cuba. 24 June 1999. Letter sent to the Research Directorate by an immigration counsellor.