Belize plans September decision on Cuban Medical Brigade

Belize’s cabinet will consider the future of the Cuban Medical Brigade in September, weighing options to keep Cuban doctors, nurses and other health workers in the country. Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Fonseca said discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Health, the United States and other partners about granting work permits or permanent‑resident status to brigade members.

The issue has intensified after the United States expanded visa‑restriction policies in early 2025, accusing some overseas Cuban medical missions of forced labour. Washington later extended the policy to Central American officials involved in such programmes, a claim Belize denies. Prime Minister John Briceño has noted the brigade was never intended as a permanent solution and highlighted efforts to train more Belizean doctors, while Cuba and several Caribbean governments reject the U.S. allegations.