SANTO DOMINGO - The Dominican Republic has announced that it will deport up to 10,000 undocumented Haitian migrants per week as part of a broader plan to curb migration flows from Haiti. The decision stems from concerns over national security and the slow response from the international community in helping restore order in Haiti, according to President Luis Abinader.
President Abinader stated that the government no longer needs to provide further explanations about enforcing its migration laws. "Our priority is the safety of the Dominican people and maintaining our national sovereignty," he declared after a meeting of the Dominican Council of Defense and National Security. He added that the measures are being intensified because, despite promises, the international community is taking insufficient action to stabilize the situation in Haiti.
The migration crisis is deeply rooted in Haiti's political and social chaos, with the country long struggling with gang violence and political instability. While a police mission has been set up to restore order in the neighboring nation, the situation remains fragile, prompting the Dominican Republic to intervene independently.
In addition to deportations, the Dominican government has announced additional measures. These include an expanded crackdown on human trafficking in collaboration with international security organizations. Border security will also be strengthened with the use of modern technology, such as drones and cameras. The Dominican migration service is deploying more personnel, who will receive enhanced training in crisis management and human rights to ensure that deportations are carried out lawfully and with respect for human dignity.
In 2023, the Dominican Republic already deported 250,000 Haitians, and the new measures, including the weekly deportation of 10,000 migrants, show that the Dominican government is determined to maintain control over its border with Haiti. Efforts are also underway to improve border posts and other infrastructure to make deportations more efficient.
The region is closely monitoring the developments, as the situation not only has humanitarian implications for the Haitian population but also risks heightening tensions between the two countries on the shared island of Hispaniola.