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 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo continues to generate reactions. Recently, it was confirmed that two of the five athletes who left the official delegation appeared before the Refugee Office of the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) in the Dominican Republic.
The main objective of this visit was to formalize the necessary procedures to establish their legal status in the country. The details regarding this move were disseminated by a Cuban athlete based on Dominican soil, who has closely followed the case of his compatriots who chose to seek new opportunities outside of their delegation.
Yasmani Álvarez seeks to legalize his status
Among the athletes who have taken the step to regularize their stay is the softball player Yasmani Álvarez. According to reports, the athlete showed signs of nervousness regarding the uncertainty surrounding his new reality; however, he expressed relief after being assisted by the institution’s staff.
The athlete stated that he felt calmer after being received by a Migration official, highlighting the treatment received during his visit to the institution.
This procedure is in addition to that of another athlete who had already initiated similar steps before the Refugee Office, the entity in charge of evaluating each request for protection or legal residency individually in accordance with the laws in force in the Dominican Republic.
Context of the defections
- So far, the defection of five members of the Cuban delegation who competed in Santo Domingo 2026 has been reported.
- Dominican immigration authorities are evaluating the files under the established protocols for foreigners seeking protection.
- No official statements have been issued confirming the full identity of those involved or the definitive immigration status of each of them.
It is expected that, over the course of the next few days, more updates will emerge regarding the legal processes of these athletes, as well as information about the rest of the athletes who decided to remain in the country after the sporting event concluded.
