Free guidance: You have the right to receive, free of charge, all the guidance necessary to submit and process your application for refugee status recognition before UNHCR or the Cuban migration authorities. You may approach UNHCR during its public service hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00.
Non-refoulement: Your status as an asylum-seeker or refugee grants you the right to protection against forced return to your country of origin or habitual residence. To guarantee this protection, UNHCR will make every effort to request that the Cuban authorities allow you to remain in Cuba and not be returned to a country where you may face security risks.
Documentation: Only States can issue identity or travel documents. If recognized as a refugee, UNHCR will provide a certificate confirming this status, which is not an official ID document. Under current circumstances, Cuban authorities allow UNHCR-recognized refugees to stay provisionally but do not issue legally recognized identification or grant defined migration status for access to rights and services.
Work: At present, asylum-seekers and refugees do not have the right to work in Cuba and therefore cannot earn income during their stay in the country, unless they receive assistance from abroad. UNHCR advocates for the right to work for refugees and, in the meantime, seeks opportunities for them to make constructive use of their time, such as learning languages or other forms of training.
Health: To access medical care, the Cuban Red Cross will issue a card allowing access to designated health facilities for refugees and asylum-seekers.
Education: For asylum-seeking and refugee children to access education, UNHCR or a partner agency will support the process by liaising with the relevant authorities.
You must provide UNHCR with all the information necessary for the assessment of your case, as well as other relevant details regarding your stay in Cuba and your interaction with the office. This information must always be truthful and complete.
You must inform UNHCR of any changes in your location (address and telephone number), attend appointments scheduled by UNHCR, and at all times demonstrate correct, respectful, and cooperative behavior both inside and outside the office.
You must show respect for and comply with the laws and customs of the country in which you are located; failure to do so could result in problems with the authorities or with other individuals.