ISTANBUL 

The US announced visa restrictions Tuesday against several Central American government officials and their families for participating in Cuba's alleged forced labor medical program.

"Today, the Department of State took steps to impose visa restrictions on several Central American government officials and their family members for their nexus to the Cuban regime's forced labor scheme," the agency said in a statement.

Officials targeted are "responsible for Cuban medical mission programs that include elements of forced labor and the exploitation of Cuban workers," it said.

The State Department described the labor export program as abusive to participants that "enriches the corrupt Cuban regime" and deprives Cubans of essential medical care at home.

"These steps promote accountability for those who support and perpetuate these exploitative practices," it said.

The US encouraged other nations to join efforts against the "forced labor scheme," emphasizing a commitment to human rights and labor protections worldwide.

"Our goal is to support the Cuban people in their pursuit of freedom and dignity," it said.

"The U.S. is serious about its efforts to promote accountability for those linked to the forced labor and exploitation of Cuban medical workers," said Secretary of State Marco Rubio on X.

The State Department said in January that Cuban government data indicates that by late 2021, around 28,000 Cuban workers were deployed in more than 60 countries. Experts estimate that Havana earns between $6 billion and $8 billion each year from its service exports, mainly through its foreign medical missions program.

The New York-based Human Rights Foundation said in 2022 that Cuba has "subjected over 400,000 medical workers to forced labor, withholding of payment, family separation, and deplorable working conditions" through what it called a human trafficking scheme that became the government's main source of foreign income.