The Dominican Republic plans to begin expelling 10,000 undocumented Haitian migrants each week as part of a crackdown on migration amidst rising instability in Haiti due to gang violence. This initiative will follow strict human rights protocols and aims to address increasing migrant populations, fueled by inadequate international support for Haiti.
On October 2, 2024, the Dominican Republic unveiled an ambitious initiative to expel an estimated 10,000 undocumented Haitian migrants each week. This initiative, articulated by presidential spokesperson Homero Figueroa, is a part of a larger effort aimed at managing the significant increase of migrants from Haiti, which has been plagued by instability due to gang violence. The Dominican government cited a lack of adequate international response to the situation in Haiti as a significant factor driving this decision. The expulsions are set to begin immediately and will be conducted under strict guidelines to ensure the protection of human rights. This announcement follows President Luis Abinader’s administration’s previous efforts to control migration, which included the construction of a 164-kilometer wall along the border and a notable increase in deportations, tallying approximately 250,000 undocumented Haitians in 2023 alone. With the current plan, the government anticipates surpassing this number significantly within the year. The government has also indicated plans to enhance surveillance of the border through drones and cameras, and to dismantle human trafficking networks exploiting Haitian migrants. The Dominican Republic has a complex history with Haiti, characterized by economic disparities and a distinct linguistic divide, contributing to tensions between the two nations. Many Haitians, fleeing dire conditions resulting from disasters and violence, have sought refuge in the Dominican Republic, which offers better economic opportunities, further complicating the immigration landscape in the region.
The announcement of this expulsion plan comes against a backdrop of escalating violence and instability in Haiti, which has been compounded by economic collapse and the rise of gang warfare since the devastating earthquake in 2010. The United Nations reports significant fatalities and displacements within Haiti due to this violence. The Dominican Republic and Haiti share the island of Hispaniola, yet their relations have historically been strained due to economic disparities and social issues, including discrimination against Haitian migrants within the Dominican Republic. The current administration, under President Abinader, has adopted a stringent approach to migration, seeking to impose stricter controls in response to perceived threats posed by the flow of Haitian migrants.
In summary, the Dominican Republic’s newly announced plan to expel 10,000 undocumented Haitians per week signifies a dramatic escalation in its immigration control policies in response to ongoing instability in Haiti and inadequate international intervention. This effort underscores the complicated socio-political relationship between the two countries and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Haiti, raising significant concerns about human rights and the treatment of migrants in the region.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
