Cuban athletes begin immigration regularization process after Central American Games
The situation of the Cuban athletes who decided not to return to their nation after their participation in the 2026 Santo Domingo Central American and Caribbean Games continues to generate attention. Recently, two of the five athletes who reportedly abandoned the official delegation appeared before the Refugee Office of the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) in the Dominican Republic.
The goal of these athletes is to formally initiate the necessary procedures to regularize their immigration status and establish themselves legally in Dominican territory. The information was initially disseminated through the “Azúcar con Libertad” platform, which has closely followed the cases of the athletes who chose to separate from their national team during the regional event.
Yasmani Álvarez seeks to legalize his status
One of the athletes identified in this process is the softball player Yasmani Álvarez. According to reports, the athlete experienced moments of tension and nervousness prior to his meeting with the authorities, due to the uncertainty inherent in this type of immigration procedure.
The athlete stated that he felt much calmer after being received by an official from the General Directorate of Migration, highlighting the kind and professional treatment he received during his visit to the institution to manage his application.
Context of the desertions
To date, the defection of five members of the various Cuban delegations that competed in Santo Domingo 2026 has been reported. Although Álvarez’s case is one of those that has come to light, the Dominican authorities have not yet issued a detailed official report confirming the identity of all those involved or the specific status of each of them.
- The Refugee Office continues to evaluate files on an individual basis.
- The process follows the protocols established by Dominican immigration law for foreigners seeking protection or regularization.
- It is expected that, in the coming days, more details will emerge regarding the steps to be followed for the remaining athletes.
From Alofoke Deportes we will be following this news to report on any progress related to the legal situation of these athletes and the decisions made by the competent authorities in the coming days.
