Canada will restore some visa services in Cuba

HAVANA, Cuba, Jul 30 (acn) Canada will restore some of the visa services at its embassy in Cuba from next August 1st, Prensa Latina news agency reported today from Ottawa.
The Canadian authorities suspended immigration proceedings by claiming health problems suffered by their diplomats, something that diplomatic sources described as inexplicable.
The Canadian Embassy in Havana is restoring some visa and biometric services after months of backing downs between Canadians and Cubans.
As of next August 1st, Cuban residents will be able to obtain the fingerprints and photos needed for the applications made at the embassy, as well as leave passports and collect visas in the building.
Since the beginning of this summer, the Canadian government announced the suspension of services such as visa processing and permanent residence in Havana due to unexplained diseases suffered by Canadian and US diplomats dating back to the spring of 2017.
The mission staff has been scarce since January, after more than a dozen officials suffered headaches, dizziness and nausea in Havana, although the cause of the mysterious health incidents is still unknown.
This new announcement does not restore the full list of restricted services, but Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says it will make the process faster, easier and less expensive for applicants.
Despite the reopening of some work, all active applications were transferred from Havana to Mexico City for processing.
Applicants for permanent residence will have to travel outside Cuba for any medical exam or interview required.