Uruguay hosts record 22,000 Cubans: third-largest destination

In an unprecedented migration phenomenon, Uruguay has become the third-largest global destination for Cuban asylum seekers, with over 22,000 arrivals recorded by the National Migration Agency in 2025, according to a new CNN report.

Official figures from CEDA (Center for Economic Development and Analysis) detail that Uruguay processed 26,626 asylum applications from Cuban citizens during 2025, positioning itself as the third most popular destination after Brazil (44,381 applications) and Mexico (38,598).

Energy crisis drives mass migration

The massive migration to Uruguay coincides with Cuba’s most severe energy crisis in recent history, characterized by blackouts of up to 16 hours daily and critical shortages of food, water, and electricity documented by CNN’s investigation.

“Cubans are facing unsustainable conditions: no food, no water, no electricity, they’re fleeing to other countries for a better life,” reported CNN’s Dario Klein from Montevideo, highlighting the exponential growth of Cuba’s community in Uruguay.

The crisis intensified after Venezuela lost petroleum control and Trump implemented a petroleum blockade that cut 90% of the island’s energy supply.

Cuba: third-largest asylum-seeking nationality globally

CEDA data reveals that Cuba generated approximately 5.3 asylum claims per 1,000 inhabitants in 2025, making Cubans the third-largest asylum-seeking nationality worldwide.

This migration flow to Uruguay represents a diversification of traditional Cuban routes, historically concentrated toward the United States and Spain. The South American country offers more accessible migration policies and relative economic stability.

Top Cuban asylum destinations in 2025:

Brazil: 44,381 applications
Mexico: 38,598 applications
Uruguay: 26,626 applications
Spain: Data pending
United States: 300,000+ in legal limbo

The massive arrival of Cubans is transforming Uruguay’s demographic landscape. With a total population of approximately 3.5 million inhabitants, the arrival of 22,000-26,000 Cubans in one year represents nearly 0.7% population growth.

Cuban migrants, many of them healthcare professionals, engineers, and educators, are contributing significantly to key sectors of Uruguay’s economy that face skilled labor shortages.

Regional context: massive continental exodus

Uruguay forms part of an unprecedented continental Cuban exodus. According to official data:

More than 1 million Cubans have migrated since 2021, the largest migration wave since the 1959 Revolution
340% increase in dangerous maritime crossings to the United States
427 Cubans deported by the United States in 2026 alone, according to recent reports
Closure of traditional routes like Nicaragua and Mexico

Favorable migration policies

Uruguay maintains a relatively open migration policy under President Luis Lacalle Pou’s government, facilitating both political asylum and temporary residence for citizens in humanitarian crisis.

The South American country has implemented specific programs for labor and social integration, including accelerated recognition of professional degrees and access to basic health and education services for asylum seekers.

FAQ

Why has Uruguay become so attractive to Cuban migrants? Uruguay offers political stability, a relatively solid economy, accessible migration policies, and a faster asylum process than other countries in the region. Additionally, it doesn’t require visas for Cuban citizens in transit.

How many Cubans currently live in Uruguay? In addition to the 22,000-26,000 who arrived in 2025, the total Cuban community in Uruguay is estimated to reach approximately 35,000-40,000 people, including residents from previous years.

Which economic sectors benefit most from Cuban migration? Primarily healthcare (doctors and nurses), education (university professors), engineering, technology, and specialized professional services where Uruguay faces skilled worker deficits.

Is the migratory status of these Cubans in Uruguay legal? Yes, the majority have legal status as asylum seekers or temporary residents under Uruguay’s legal framework and international refugee protection conventions.

Cuba’s energy crisis continues to drive one of the largest migration waves in hemispheric history, diversifying traditional destinations and creating new attraction poles like Uruguay, which positions itself as a regional humanitarian refuge.