Reuters reported that as President Joe Biden's term in office drew to a close, he moved to relax sanctions on Cuba's communist government.

However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has shut down that approach by unveiling new visa rules regarding current and former regime members. 

Effort aimed at punishing Cuban government for its use of forced labor

According to UPI, the visa restrictions will apply to individuals who are or were involved in the export of forced labor from Cuba.

The United States is expanding its Cuba-related visa restriction policy. @StateDept has taken steps to restrict visa issuance to Cuban and complicit third-country government officials and individuals responsible for Cuba’s exploitative labor export program. We will promote…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 25, 2025

The change is being made pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and echoes similar restrictions placed on Venezuelan officials.

Rubio outlined the change in a press release put out on Tuesday, stating, "Today, we announce the expansion of an existing Cuba-related visa restriction policy that targets forced labor linked to the Cuban labor export program."

"This expanded policy applies to current or former Cuban government officials, and other individuals, including foreign government officials, who are believed to be responsible for, or involved in, the Cuban labor export program, particularly Cuba’s overseas medical missions," he continued.

Restrictions will also apply to family members of regime figures

What's more, the secretary of state pointed out how "[t]his policy also applies to the immediate family of such persons."

"The Department has already taken steps to impose visa restrictions on several individuals, including Venezuelans, under this expanded policy," Rubio recalled.

"Cuba continues to profit from the forced labor of its workers and the regime’s abusive and coercive labor practices are well documented," he lamented.

As it drew to a close, Rubio's statement went on to declare that "the United States is committed to countering forced labor practices around the globe."

Rubio calls out Cuban government for forcing doctors to work overseas

The secretary of State made a point of highlighting Cuba's policy of forcing medical personnel to work overseas for foreign governments.

Rubio stressed that this practice deprives "ordinary Cubans of the medical care they desperately need in their home country."

A 2023 report from Human Rights Watch detailed how doctors as well as other health professionals can face harsh criminal penalties for failing to comply with state demands.