The Cuban government has issued a new warning to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and self-employed workers, stating that failure to update their online payment services before February will result in the withdrawal of their work licenses. This has sparked debates on whether Cuba has the necessary infrastructure to implement payment gateways for all businesses and how those unable to use online payment services will be affected.
The measure is a result of the banking process imposed by the government a few months ago, which has led to a cash crisis and long delays at ATMs. Some businesses have already been affected, such as the gastronomic complex on Zapata and 12 in Havana, which refuses to accept transfers.
The deadline for compliance varies by region, with Matanzas and much of western Cuba facing a February 2 deadline. The vice governor of Matanzas, Marieta Poey Zamora, emphasized that the electronic payment option must be available to consumers in all businesses, as mandated by Resolution 93/2023.
Resolution 93/2023 requires all sellers, whether individuals or legal entities, to offer electronic payment methods in addition to cash starting in February. While the measure aims to provide customers with payment options, concerns have been raised about the short timeline for compliance and external factors such as poor connectivity and the absence of POS terminals.
Overall, the concept of offering electronic payment options is seen as positive, but the implementation and practicality of the measure are being scrutinized. It remains to be seen how businesses will adapt to the new requirement and whether the necessary support and infrastructure will be provided to ensure a smooth transition.