On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Dominican President Luis Abinader announced a series of 15 measures aimed at addressing irregular migration from Haiti. These actions reflect heightened concerns over border security, economic strain, and the impact of Haitian migration on Dominican society. Below is an overview of the key measures and the context surrounding this announcement.
Key Measures Announced
- Border Security Enhancements:
- Deployment of an additional 1,500 soldiers to reinforce the existing 9,500 troops stationed at the border.
- Acceleration of border wall construction, with plans to add 13 kilometers to the existing 54-kilometer barrier.
- Immigration Law Reforms:
- Submission of a draft reform to Congress introducing harsher penalties for individuals facilitating illegal immigration, including employers, landlords, and officials.
- Strengthened Immigration Controls:
- Appointment of 750 new immigration agents and expansion of immigration offices nationwide.
- Creation of a Special Prosecutor’s Office for Immigration Affairs.
- Healthcare Protocols:
- Starting April 21, public hospitals will require foreign patients to provide identification, proof of employment, and a local address. Non-compliance will lead to repatriation after stabilization.
- Economic Adjustments:
- Promotion of “Dominicanization” in employment sectors such as tourism and free zones by offering salary increases up to 30% to attract Dominican workers.
- Expansion of funds for mechanization in agriculture and construction to reduce reliance on low-cost Haitian labor.
- Administrative and Community Involvement:
- Establishment of a Citizen Observatory on Immigration Policy to monitor implementation.
- Coordination with local governments to facilitate repatriations.
Context Behind the Measures
Haiti is currently facing multiple crises: gang violence, political instability, environmental degradation, and economic collapse. These issues have led to increased migration into the Dominican Republic, where over 500,000 Haitians currently reside. President Abinader emphasized that while these crises are not caused by his administration, their consequences—such as strain on healthcare systems and displacement of Dominican workers—are impacting his country significantly.
The Dominican Republic has historically struggled with managing Haitian migration due to its shared 320-kilometer border with Haiti. Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez referred to the border as a “revolving door,” highlighting challenges in preventing deported individuals from re-entering the country.
Criticism and Human Rights Concerns
The Dominican government’s migration policies have faced criticism from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International. Concerns include racial profiling, collective expulsions violating international law, and inadequate protections for vulnerable groups like children. The measures announced by President Abinader may further intensify these debates.
Conclusion
President Abinader’s announcement marks a significant escalation in efforts to control Haitian migration into the Dominican Republic. While these measures aim to address security and economic concerns, they also raise questions about human rights implications and the broader role of international support in resolving Haiti’s crises.