Dominican Republic Implements Plan to Deport 10,000 Undocumented Haitians Weekly

The Dominican Republic has initiated a plan to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly due to rising immigration pressures and ongoing instability in Haiti. This action, framed as a necessary measure, reflects President Abinader’s long-standing approach to migration, which includes recent extensive deportations amid constructions of physical barriers on the border.

On October 2, the Dominican Republic formally announced a new initiative aimed at deporting 10,000 undocumented Haitian migrants each week as part of a broader effort to manage migration from Haiti. According to presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa, the operation seeks to alleviate the challenges posed by elevated migrant populations within Dominican locales. He emphasized that these expulsions would commence immediately and adhere to stringent protocols designed to uphold human rights standards. This decision emerges from frustrations with the international community’s perceived delay in aiding the stabilization of Haiti, a nation grappling with significant issues stemming from rampant gang violence. In recent developments, a United Nations-approved multinational force, led by Kenya, has been dispatched to the region in hopes of restoring order. President Luis Abinader articulated the Dominican Republic’s position during a UN meeting, remarking, “We warned at the United Nations that either it and all the countries that had committed themselves act responsibly in Haiti, or we will.” Since he assumed office in 2020, President Abinader has consistently adopted a stringent stance toward immigration, particularly from Haiti, characterized by the construction of a 164-kilometer concrete barrier along the border, with intentions to extend it following his recent re-election. Additionally, the Abinader administration has significantly escalated the deportation of undocumented Haitians, with an estimated 250,000 having been expelled in 2023 alone.

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, a nation facing substantial socio-economic and security challenges. The ongoing instability in Haiti, exacerbated by gang violence and economic hardship, has led to a rising number of Haitian migrants seeking refuge in neighboring countries, particularly the Dominican Republic. The Dominican government has expressed concern over the increasing number of undocumented migrants, viewing the situation as a growing crisis that necessitates immediate action. President Luis Abinader’s administration has responded with a series of stringent immigration policies, including increased deportations and border fortifications, aiming not only to control migration flows but also to address the associated social and economic stresses within the Dominican Republic.

In conclusion, the Dominican Republic’s recent announcement to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly reflects its government’s commitment to controlling migration amid ongoing challenges in Haiti. This decision is rooted in the need for stability and order, influenced by the shortcomings of the international community’s response to the situation in Haiti. As the Dominican Republic seeks to manage its borders more strictly, the humanitarian implications of such policies remain a critical concern.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr