Cuban athletes begin migration processes after Santo Domingo 2026 Central American Games
The situation of the Cuban athletes who decided not to return to their nation after concluding their participation in the 2026 Santo Domingo Central American and Caribbean Games continues to generate attention. Recently, it was confirmed that two of the five athletes who left their delegation appeared before the Refugee Office of the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) to manage their legal status in the Dominican Republic.
The information was disseminated by a content creator from the “Azúcar con Libertad” platform, who has been closely following these cases. Among the athletes who have taken the step to regularize their stay on Dominican soil is softball player Yasmani Álvarez.
The athlete showed signs of nervousness regarding the uncertainty of the process, but managed to find peace of mind after receiving professional and humane treatment from the staff of the immigration institution.
Details of the migration process
The Álvarez case sets an important precedent for the other athletes involved, who are seeking to rely on the legal mechanisms established by the country to request protection or regularize their status as foreigners. To date, the authorities’ report indicates that five members of the Cuban delegation chose to remain in Dominican territory at the end of the sporting event.
- Five Cuban athletes have defected from their delegation following the Games.
- The DGM evaluates each case individually under the protocols of the Refugee Office.
- More updates on the status of the remaining athletes are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Although the Dominican authorities remain cautious regarding the identity of all those involved, the commitment to follow the corresponding legal procedures for each case remains. Alofoke Deportes will continue to follow this news as new data regarding the future of these athletes in the country becomes official.
