Dominican Republic Announces Plan to Deport 10,000 Undocumented Haitians Weekly
The Dominican Republic plans to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians per week, responding to a perceived migration crisis from Haiti, which faces severe gang violence and instability. This operation, which was announced to commence immediately, is part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigration and has sparked concerns over potential human rights violations.
The Dominican Republic has announced an aggressive immigration policy, set to initiate the deportation of 10,000 undocumented Haitians per week amid a crackdown on migration from Haiti, which has been plagued by significant violence and instability. President Luis Abinader’s administration argues that this initiative aims to alleviate what has been termed an “excessive migrant population” in the Dominican Republic, as delineated by presidential spokesman Homero Figueroa. This operation is characterized as immediate and strictly regulated to maintain human rights standards. According to the Dominican government, the decision was inspired by the perceived inaction of the international community, particularly regarding the need for restoration of order in Haiti, where gang violence has resulted in over 3,600 deaths this year alone. The United Nations has recently dispatched an approved force led by Kenya to attempt to stabilize the situation as well. Since taking office in 2020, President Abinader has instituted a stringent stance on Haitian migration, illustrating this resolve by constructing a 164-kilometer wall along the border, with plans for further extensions. In 2023 alone, the administration has already deported approximately 250,000 undocumented Haitians, and the new policy is expected to more than double that number before the year concludes. The government intends to enhance surveillance measures with the use of drones and cameras and aims to target human trafficking networks operating between the two nations. The relationship between the Dominican Republic and Haiti has been historically tense, compounded by the socio-economic difficulties faced by Haitians who have sought refuge in the more prosperous Dominican Republic. Following a devastating earthquake in 2010 that severely impacted Haiti’s economy, a surge of Haitians has crossed into the Dominican Republic, looking for improved conditions. Reports indicate that approximately 700,000 people have been displaced within Haiti due to ongoing violence, with children constituting a significant portion of this figure. Both prominent political factions in the Dominican Republic have resisted international calls to admit more Haitian migrants, amidst ongoing discrimination against Haitian communities in the country.
The Dominican Republic and Haiti share the island of Hispaniola but have stark contrasts in terms of economic stability and societal conditions. Haiti, primarily French and Creole-speaking, has battled severe challenges following historical disasters, including a catastrophic earthquake in 2010, which contributed to a deteriorating security situation dominated by gangs. The Dominican Republic, conversely, is regarded as a more affluent country in the Caribbean with fast-growing economic metrics yet has been the subject of criticism for its handling of Haitian migrants. Strained relations have incorporated elements of socioeconomic disparity, issues of human rights, and systemic discrimination.
In summary, the Dominican Republic’s decision to deport 10,000 undocumented Haitians weekly highlights both the country’s stringent immigration policies and the ongoing crisis in Haiti. This mass expulsion is intended to address perceived overpopulation by Haitian migrants, yet it unfolds against a backdrop of significant humanitarian concerns and potential violations of human rights. As this situation progresses, it remains to be seen how these actions will affect the relations between the two nations and the broader implications for regional stability.
Original Source: www.france24.com
