State Department puts the number of Cuban workers abroad at up to 18,000

The U.S. State Department said diplomatic efforts by the Donald Trump administration helped reduce the number of Cuban workers sent abroad through state programs, including medical missions.

The agency said the figure fell from approximately 24,000 in early 2025 to between 15,000 and 18,000 in 2026. It also attributed part of the decline to visa restrictions imposed by Washington.

In its 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, the Department described Cuba's labor-export program as a government pattern or policy of forced labor. Despite the reduction, Cuban workers were present in 53 countries during 2026, according to the document.

The report said health professionals account for about 75 percent of Cuba's exported civilian workforce. It also said Washington urged other governments to review or end their labor agreements with Havana.