HOW TO FIND A JOB IN CUBA
Cuba is an island nation located in the northern Caribbean Sea at the junction of North, Central, and South America. It is a long and narrow island that stretches 1,200 kilometers from east to west and is only 100 kilometers wide in most places. High mountains and hilly terrain cover about one-third of Cuba. The other two-thirds are low-lying plains used mainly for agriculture.
Working in Cuba for foreigners in 2024 will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the local culture and traditions, gain invaluable professional experience and enjoy life in this exotic country. At the same time, legal employment in Cuban territory is very challenging. By the way, unlike most countries of Latin America, the favorite sport in Cuba is baseball, not soccer.
Let's talk about the specifics of labor migration, job search options, current vacancies and salaries in Cuba in 2024 below.
Labor migration in Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea. The population in 2024 is about 11.2 million people. The official currency in the country is the Cuban peso. At the current exchange rate of 100 pesos you can get 4 U.S. dollars. It is a socialist state governed by the Communist Party. The United States has been hostile to Cuba since the Communists came to power in 1959, but opened an embassy here in 2015 to work with the local government.
The political situation in Cuba has been relatively stable in recent years, but economic reform has been rather slow. Nevertheless, today private property is allowed in the country, and the ban on selling real estate and new vehicles has been lifted. Local farmers can sell agricultural products directly to hotels. Non-agricultural cooperatives are allowed, a new law on foreign investment has been passed and the "Special Development Zone" around the port of Mariel has been launched.
Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language in Cuba, which is a must for applicants from abroad. According to the last census, white people of European descent make up about 64.1% of the local population, mulatto or mixed 26.6%, and black 9.3%. The low standard of living is forcing tens of thousands of young Cubans to leave their homeland in search of work abroad. The main destination is the United States. The territory of Florida is just 150 kilometers from Cuba. No wonder around 1.5 million Cubans live there.
Official work in Cuba for foreigners from third countries has a number of prerequisites. It is necessary in advance to find an employer, sign a contract and open a work visa. Usually, local citizens and permanent residents of Cuba should not apply for the vacancy. The government has created a special program to attract investors and professionals from abroad. The program offers a number of benefits, including residency and citizenship.
How to find a job. Vacancies and wages in Cuba.
Competition for jobs in the Cuban labor market is very significant, so foreigners must have sufficient experience, education, qualifications and professional skills to take the vacancy. It is very important to have a good command of Spanish and English. Most major companies in Cuba are located in the capital – Havana. It is the largest city, the political, economic and cultural center of the country.
Cuba's main trading partners are Venezuela, China, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and the Netherlands. Official unemployment in the country does not exceed 3%. The income tax rate varies from 15 to 50%, depending on the income. The main sectors of the economy – the sugar industry, construction, agriculture, oil refining and tourism. It is in these areas foreigners should look for jobs in Cuba in 2024.
The official minimum wage in Cuba in 2024 ranges from 2,100-6,310 pesos a month, the equivalent of $85-265. Overall, this island nation is not a good place to raise income. Many Latin American countries earn much more. Not to mention the United States. The average wage in Cuba in 2024 is 4,209 pesos per month ($175). In-demand foreign professionals can earn $300-400 or more.
A popular job search site in Cuba for English teachers is teachaway.com. Compose a competent concise resume and cover letter. Write job offers to major employers in Cuba directly through official company websites. Visit professional social networking sites and thematic forums. Go to Cuba as a tourist, look around, and try to establish business contacts.
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