Dominican Republic expresses concern over Haitian immigration and calls for international support

The Dominican government has expressed its concern over the “unsustainable” flow of Haitian nationals into the country.

In response to a UN expert’s call for a halt to repatriations due to the crisis in Haiti, the Dominican government stated that it could not bear the sole responsibility for ensuring the social welfare of Haitians, as it is also a developing country.

The government emphasized that it must prioritize the well-being of its own citizens.

The Dominican Republic deported approximately 120,900 irregular foreigners in 2022, most of whom were of Haitian origin.

Furthermore, the government highlighted the increasing proportion of births to Haitian mothers in the country.

The Dominican government uses taxpayer funds to cover the costs of providing healthcare services for these deliveries.

The Dominican Republic urged an immediate response to the Haitian Prime Minister’s request for an international security force to address Haiti’s political, security, and humanitarian crisis, specifically the control exerted by gangs in the capital.

The Dominican Republic called on the United Nations to contribute to reestablishing peace, security, and democratic institutions in Haiti.

It urged caution in promoting irregular Haitian emigration as a solution to the suffering in Haiti, emphasizing the need for comprehensive efforts to address the situation.

The Dominican government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding national interests and applying its legislation.

It acknowledged the concerns of stakeholders regarding Haiti and stated that the country’s internal situation would not hinder the application of Dominican laws.