The Dominican Republic has initiated a plan to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly, attributing this move to concerns over excessive migration and the ongoing instability in Haiti, which is plagued by gang violence. The government aims to manage migration more strictly, having expelled 250,000 Haitians in 2023 alone and announcing increased border surveillance alongside the deportation strategy.
The government of the Dominican Republic has introduced an aggressive immigration enforcement strategy, commencing the deportation of 10,000 undocumented Haitians on a weekly basis. This operation arises from an urgent need to address what officials describe as an excessive presence of Haitian migrants within Dominican communities. Presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa indicated that the expulsions would begin immediately, conducted under strict protocols to ensure respect for human rights. The proactive measure has been attributed to the stagnant response from the international community in restoring stability to Haiti, a nation currently facing considerable challenges due to rampant gang violence. Despite various international efforts, particularly the deployment of a UN-sanctioned force led by Kenya to help restore order in Haiti, President Luis Abinader has emphasized the necessity for the Dominican government to take decisive action. “We warned at the United Nations that either it and all the countries that had committed themselves (to helping Haiti) act responsibly in Haiti, or we will,” he stated. Under Abinader’s administration, which commenced in 2020, there has been a sustained initiative to mitigate migration from Haiti, including the construction of a 164-kilometer concrete border wall and a steep increase in deportations, which accounted for 250,000 undocumented Haitians in 2023 alone. The announced plan would substantially increase the annual deportation count, surpassing the estimated 495,815 Haitians residing in the Dominican Republic, and includes provisions for identifying and dismantling human trafficking operations from Haiti. Furthermore, the government has pledged to enhance aerial surveillance of the shared border.
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, a country that has struggled with economic collapse and violence, particularly after the catastrophic earthquake in 2010. Historically, relations between the two nations have been tense, compounded by the significant economic disparities. As Haiti has descended further into chaos, with over 3,600 people reportedly killed by gang violence this year alone, many Haitians have sought refuge in the Dominican Republic, which boasts a more stable and rapidly growing economy. Despite the humanitarian crisis, the Dominican government has resisted international pressure to accept more Haitian migrants, adhering to a strict migration policy under President Luis Abinader, who emphasizes the need for national security and order.
In conclusion, the Dominican Republic’s plan to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly reflects a stringent immigration policy aimed at curbing the influx of migrants from Haiti amid ongoing instability. The actions taken by the Dominican government underscore the escalating tensions born of economic and social disparities, as well as the country’s efforts to maintain order amidst increasing violence and humanitarian challenges in its neighboring nation.
Original Source: www.france24.com
