Do you dream of living in Spain? A guide to seeking asylum as a Cuban

Are you Cuban and do not know how to seek asylum in Spain? The first thing is that requesting this type of asylum in the European country is not easy to get approved, as it happens in countries like the United States, but it is not impossible for Cuban either. In fact, hundreds of thousands are currently living there under the title of asylum. We guide you in this regard.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees revealed, in a report published in 2023, that Cuba ranked third in terms of the number of asylum requests in the world, after only Venezuela and Afghanistan. The countries that receive the most asylum requests from Cubans are the United States, Spain and Mexico.

These data reflect the complex situation that the island is going through, with the increasing wave of migration due to the economic, political and social crisis. But the lack of opportunities within your country of origin is not a sufficient reason to seek asylum in Spain, which is why Cubans choose the option of political persecution. Whether it's real or not.

Procedures in Spain are very bureaucratic and a simple process can take months; In fact, granting citizenship by residence takes years in many cases. Hence, many choose another option while they wait for their asylum decision.

Cuban: asylum in Spain in 2024

According to a recent report by independent media Cuban DiaryHowever, the increase in asylum applications by Cubans in Spain has created a problem, as many of them remain in an irregular situation due to delays in administrative procedures, irregularities or rejection of their application.

For these people, according to the aforementioned newspaper, temporary residence for humanitarian reasons is offered as a practical alternative. This number allows you to regularize your status in Spain and obtain basic rights such as health, education and work.

Cubans who find themselves in this situation are advised to explore this route. The requirements for temporary residence on humanitarian grounds are less demanding than those for asylum and the process is usually quicker.

It is important to note that temporary residence on humanitarian grounds is not a final status. However, it can be a first step to obtaining permanent residency in Spain.

If you are Cuban and find yourself in an illegal situation in Spain, we recommend that you consult a lawyer to advise you on the best way to resolve your situation.