Cuban athletes begin regularization process after Santo Domingo 2026 Central American Games
In the framework of the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, the situation of several Cuban athletes has taken a new turn. Two of the five athletes who decided to leave their official delegation have taken a decisive step by appearing before the Refugee Office of the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) in the Dominican Republic, with the purpose of formally initiating the procedures to regularize their immigration status in the country.
Information about this process was disseminated through the “Azúcar con Libertad” platform, a space that has closely followed the case of the athletes who chose not to return to Cuba after finishing their participation in the regional multi-sport event.
Yasmani Álvarez seeks to legalize his status
Among the athletes who have appeared before the authorities, softball player Yasmani Álvarez stands out. According to reports, the athlete showed signs of nervousness prior to the meeting with immigration officials due to the uncertainty surrounding his current situation. However, upon concluding the meeting, Álvarez expressed relief and satisfaction with the professional and kind treatment received from the staff of the Dominican institution.
The regularization process is evaluated on an individual basis by the competent authorities, who analyze each file in accordance with the laws in force for foreigners seeking to establish themselves on Dominican soil.
Context of the defections
To date, the defection of five members of the Cuban delegations present in Santo Domingo 2026 has been reported. Although this topic has generated great public interest, the Dominican authorities have not yet issued a detailed official report confirming the full identity of those involved or the particular status of each of them.
- Two athletes have already initiated the formal process before the Refugee Office.
- The Refugee Office continues to evaluate the cases independently.
- Expectations remain for further details regarding the rest of the athletes involved.
New updates on the progress of these athletes’ files are expected to emerge in the coming days, as the country continues to host prominent international competitive activity.
