Abinader vows to maintain migration policy amid Haiti’s “unprecedented” crisis

Santo Domingo.- Dominican President Luis Abinader emphasized the need for strict migration measures in light of Haiti’s worsening insecurity, which he described as “unprecedented.” During a press conference, Abinader pointed to the mass deportations of Haitians, initiated in early October, as part of efforts to safeguard national security. He acknowledged that Haiti’s new Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, appears open to dialogue, but noted that the country remains in a dire situation, necessitating continued vigilance along the border by the Dominican Army and the General Directorate of Migration (DGM).

Abinader expressed concerns about the uncertain status of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, which he linked to shifts in U.S. government policy. He criticized the involvement of NGOs allegedly facilitating irregular migration of Haitians into the Dominican Republic, asserting that the issue would be addressed. The government’s deportation plan aims to remove at least 10,000 Haitians weekly, with 55,723 deportations reported from October 1 to November 15.

Haiti has condemned the deportations, claiming they violate human rights standards, while the Dominican government defends its actions as vital for national security. The situation underscores the strained relations between the two countries, as Haiti grapples with internal collapse and the Dominican Republic focuses on protecting its economic stability and sovereignty.

Source: EFE