National Identity Card: Islanders

Travel Agencies Dept: The measure means the end of both real and symbolic obstacles to travel by islanders, though it is not expected to result in a mass exodus. Most Cubans are now eligible to leave with just a current passport and national identity card, just like residents of other countries, according to Montreal Gazette. Control over who can travel now largely shifts to other governments which will make their own decisions about granting entry visas. Cubans, like those of most other developing countries, will still find it difficult in many cases to get visas from wealthier nations like the U.S and hAVANA - Cubans formed long lines outside travel agencies and migration offices in Havana on Monday, as a highly anticipated new law took effect ending the island's much-hated exit visa requirement. And there were signs that even islanders in sensitive roles or open opposition to the Communist government will be included, a key litmus test of the reforms' scope. A well-known Cuban dissident said Monday she's been told she will now be allowed to travel after being blocked multiple times in the past. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.