Dominican Republic Initiates Plan for Mass Deportation of Undocumented Haitians

The Dominican Republic plans to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly to manage the rising migrant population due to Haiti’s ongoing instability and violence. President Luis Abinader’s government aims to implement this strategy immediately while ensuring adherence to human rights protocols. The decision follows frustrations with a slow international response to support Haiti’s recovery.

On October 2, 2023, the Dominican Republic announced a comprehensive strategy aimed at deporting 10,000 undocumented Haitians each week. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the influx of migrants from Haiti, which has faced significant challenges due to violence and instability. Homero Figueroa, the spokesperson for the presidency, stated that this operation is intended to alleviate the pressure of excessive migrant populations in Dominican areas, emphasizing that the deportations would commence immediately and adhere to stringent protocols that prioritize human rights. The decision to implement this plan reflects a growing frustration with the international community’s perceived inaction in restoring order in Haiti, a nation significantly affected by gang violence. President Luis Abinader articulated concerns to the United Nations regarding the necessity for action, stating, “We warned at the United Nations that either it and all the countries that had committed themselves act responsibly in Haiti, or we will.” Under Abinader’s administration, which began in 2020, there has been a marked shift towards a more hardline policy concerning migration from Haiti. Efforts have included the construction of a 164-kilometer concrete boundary wall intended to prevent illegal crossings, alongside a commitment to continue its expansion following his reelection in May for a second term. Since the start of 2023, his government has reportedly expelled approximately 250,000 undocumented Haitian migrants, signaling a notable escalation in deportations as part of this stringent migration policy.

The Dominican Republic and Haiti share the island of Hispaniola, but they are markedly different in terms of political stability and economic conditions. While the Dominican Republic has maintained relative stability, Haiti has struggled with a breakdown of governance rights and widespread violence primarily instigated by armed gangs. The recent surge in Haitian migration to the Dominican Republic has prompted the Dominican government to take increasingly stringent measures, such as deportations and the construction of the border wall, to manage the situation. The international community’s responses have often been criticized as delayed, prompting local authorities to adopt immediate solutions in the face of growing concerns about public safety and demographic changes.

The Dominican Republic’s announcement of a plan to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly reflects a determined response to both a domestic challenge of migration control and a frustration with the slower pace of international intervention in Haiti. The government’s focus on maintaining human rights during the deportation process, as well as its commitment to reinforcing border security, underscores the strategic measures being taken to address the complex socio-political dynamics at play. The situation will require careful monitoring as it unfolds, particularly in terms of its humanitarian implications and regional stability.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr