Havana -
Cubans who fled the communist country illegally would be allowed to return, according to immigration reforms announced on state television late on Wednesday.
The change would affect Cubans who fled after 1994 and who have spent eight years abroad.
The authorities previously viewed those who fled as traitors who lost their right to return when they left.
The government of President Raul Castro recently announced the lifting of many travel restrictions.
It said last week that its citizens would be allowed to travel abroad without first obtaining exit permits, which had kept many Cubans, including dissidents, at home.
The Foreign Ministry said that beginning January 14, Cubans would be able to leave the island with a valid passport. - Sapa-dpa