Cubans Need Permit To Move Into Havana

Cubans intending to move from the countryside into Havana will have to get advance permission under a law published Saturday that aims to relieve the overcrowded capital.

More than 2.2 million of Cuba’s 11 million people live in Havana. Last year, the government estimated 27,000 people moved into the city, squeezing into deteriorating housing units and straining services.

A decree published Saturday in the Communist Party newspaper Granma said Cubans wishing to move to Havana will have to have advance permission from the owner of the home where they plan to live, reporters reached in Havana said.

They also must have permission from city authorities, who will require that each person have at least 10 square yards of living space.