Havana, Cuba: Canada will restore some of the visa services at its embassy in Cuba from August 1, Prensa Latina reported today.

The Canadian authorities suspended immigration proceedings by claiming health problems faced by their diplomats, something that diplomatic sources described as inexplicable.

The Canadian Embassy in Havana restarts some visa and biometric services after months of setbacks on both parts, CBC News says.

As of August 1, it adds, Cuban residents will be able to obtain again the necessary fingerprints and photos for applications made at the embassy, ​​as well as leave passports and collect visas in the building.

Mission staff has been scarce since January, after more than a dozen officials suffered headaches, dizziness and nausea in Havana. The cause of the mysterious health incidents is still unknown, CBC refers.

According to the report, this new announcement does not restore the full list of restricted services, but Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada says it will make the process faster, easier and less expensive for applicants.

While Canada, the United States and Cuba investigate the cause of the diseases, the cut in the embassy threatens diplomatic relations, the television says.

In this regard, Ambassador Josefina Vidal, quoted by the media, added that the reduction will not help find answers to the health symptoms reported by Canadian diplomats and that they will have an impact on relations.

The Foreign Minister of Canada, Chrystia Freeland, reiterated after meetings with the Cuban authorities, that the measures taken at the embassy in Cuba are by no means a political decision.

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