Canada鈥檚 embassy in Cuba is reinstating some services that were cancelled back in May following a string of mysterious illnesses that had struck several diplomats.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said it will reinstate passport drop-off and visa pick-up services, as well as biometrics collection -- which includes fingerprint and photo taking -- in the Cuban capital of Havana on Aug. 1.
The federal department said it is bringing the services back to 鈥渕inimize the impact of the closure on applicants and facilitate their travel to Canada.鈥�
鈥淲e will continue to explore other mitigation measures and alternative service channels to improve visa and immigration services offered to Cuban residents,鈥� the government statement read.
The embassy is still accepting all Canadian passport, proof of citizenship and permanent resident travel document applications. Study and work permit services will remain suspended, as will permanent residency interviews.
The embassy suspended the services in May when staffing levels were cut in half due to 14 staff members suffering 鈥渦nusual health symptoms鈥� including unexplained dizziness, nausea and sudden fatigue. These illnesses have been dubbed the Havana Syndrome.
