Dominican Republic Implements Plan to Expel Undocumented Haitians

The Dominican Republic has announced a plan to expel 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly as part of a crackdown on migration. Presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa stated that this initiative will adhere to strict human rights protocols. The decision is partly a response to the international community’s lack of timely assistance in stabilizing Haiti, which is currently afflicted by extensive gang violence. Under President Luis Abinader, immigration enforcement has intensified, with over 250,000 deportations already in 2023, and the new plan aims to further control the influx of Haitian migrants.

On October 2, 2024, the Dominican Republic announced a significant policy initiative aimed at expelling 10,000 undocumented Haitians each week as part of heightened immigration enforcement. This measure is driven by reported concerns regarding the overwhelming presence of migrants in Dominican communities, as articulated by presidential spokesperson, Homero Figueroa, who affirmed that the operation is to be conducted “according to strict protocols that ensure respect for human rights.” The Dominican government emphasized the urgency of this operation due to the international community’s perceived inertia in restoring stability in Haiti, which is currently plagued by rampant gang violence. Recently, a UN-sanctioned intervention led by Kenya has begun to address the escalating crisis in Haiti. Under President Luis Abinader’s leadership, who has adopted a stringent stance on migration from Haiti since taking office in 2020, the government has already deported around 250,000 Haitians in the preceding year. The newly proposed expulsions are set to surpass the earlier annual figures, indicating a shift towards more aggressive immigration controls. The Dominican authorities also detailed plans to enhance surveillance techniques at the border, including the use of drones and cameras, and to dismantle human trafficking networks that exploit migrants crossing from Haiti. The Dominican Republic has historically experienced tensions with Haiti, stemming partly from socioeconomic disparities and the influx of Haitians seeking better prospects in the relatively prosperous nation. Unfortunately, the ongoing chaos in Haiti, exacerbated by a catastrophic earthquake in 2010 and compounded by recent gang-related violence, has intensified these migration patterns. Official estimates indicate that more than 700,000 people have been displaced in Haiti due to the violence, with severe implications for the welfare of children among those affected. Throughout both the presidential campaign and subsequent political discussions, the Abinader administration repeatedly dismissed external pressures urging the country to accept greater numbers of Haitian migrants amid the humanitarian crisis.

The Dominican Republic and Haiti share the island of Hispaniola and have a long and complex history characterized by economic disparity and political tension. Haiti, the poorer of the two nations, has faced significant challenges, particularly post-2010, after a massive earthquake triggered a series of socio-political crises, including gang violence and instability. This has led many Haitians to migrate to the Dominican Republic, seeking safety and better living conditions. The Dominican government, particularly under President Abinader, has adopted a hardline approach to immigration and has actively implemented measures to control the influx of undocumented Haitians. This latest plan to expel Haitians reflects both socio-economic concerns within the Dominican Republic and broader geopolitical issues related to regional migration dynamics and international aid efforts in Haiti.

In summary, the Dominican Republic’s recent decision to expel 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly represents a significant escalation in its immigration enforcement policy, driven by a combination of internal pressures regarding migrant populations and external frustrations with the situation in Haiti. The government’s commitment to conducting the operation within human rights frameworks, while simultaneously ramping up surveillance and disrupting trafficking networks, will require careful implementation and oversight. Tensions between the Dominican Republic and Haiti are likely to remain significant, as both nations grapple with the ongoing implications of economic and social instability.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com