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

The Dominican Republic has announced a plan to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly, citing rising migration from Haiti amid its ongoing instability. The initiative, intended to alleviate migrant populations in Dominican communities, will commence immediately under strict human rights protocols. This decision follows frustrations with international efforts for Haiti’s stabilization, prompting the Dominican government to take unilateral actions.

On Wednesday, October 2, the Dominican Republic announced a significant initiative to commence the deportation of 10,000 undocumented Haitian migrants each week. This move is part of a broader strategy aimed at managing migration from Haiti, which is experiencing severe socio-political instability. Presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa articulated that this operation is designed to alleviate the burgeoning migrant populations within Dominican communities, emphasizing the intention to execute these expulsions immediately and in accordance with rigorous protocols that uphold human rights standards. The decision was prompted by the perceived lethargy of the international community in addressing the ongoing crisis in Haiti, where extensive areas have succumbed to gang violence. In response to this situation, the formation of a United Nations-approved force, spearheaded by Kenya, was recently deployed to assist in restoring order in Haiti. Additionally, President Luis Abinader asserted, “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 assuming office in 2020, President Abinader has adopted a stringent stance on immigration issues related to Haiti, which is grappling with poverty and rampant violence. Notably, his administration has constructed a formidable 164-kilometer (102-mile) concrete boundary between the Dominican Republic and Haiti and pledged to further extend this barrier following his re-election in May for a second term. Furthermore, the government has markedly intensified deportations, having expelled approximately 250,000 undocumented Haitians within the year 2023 alone.

The current migration dynamics between the Dominican Republic and Haiti are heavily influenced by the ongoing turmoil in Haiti. The nation continues to struggle with severe instability and escalating gang violence, which has forced many Haitians to seek refuge and better opportunities in neighboring Dominican territory. The Dominican government has responded to this influx with a series of measures designed to control migration, including the construction of a physical barrier and an increased focus on deportations. The international community’s response to stabilization efforts in Haiti has been perceived as inadequate, prompting Dominican officials to take matters into their own hands to confront the challenges posed by undocumented migration.

In conclusion, the Dominican Republic’s announcement to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly marks a pivotal step in its response to the ongoing migration crisis exacerbated by instability in Haiti. This initiative reflects a broader governmental strategy to manage immigration effectively while asserting the need for the international community to take decisive action in stabilizing Haiti. The measures, including increased deportations and enhanced border security, underscore the Dominican Republic’s commitment to addressing the challenges presented by undocumented migration with respect for human rights.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr