Haitian Embassy praises Haina Center upgrades for immigrants

Santo Domingo.- Joseph Pierre Lamothe, Minister Counselor of the Haitian Embassy in the Dominican Republic, commended the improvements underway at the Migrant Processing Center (CPM-Haina), expressing optimism about the Dominican authorities’ efforts to enhance conditions for Haitian immigrants detained due to irregular status. Lamothe highlighted that while past issues may have existed, the current corrective actions are a positive step that could ease future migration negotiations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The remarks were made during an official tour of the CPM-Haina facilities, led by the Director General of Migration, Vice Admiral Luis Rafael Lee Ballester. The visit allowed Haitian diplomats to assess the ongoing renovation project, which includes upgrades to infrastructure and processes used to repatriate undocumented migrants—usually within 24 hours—based on their legal status.

With an investment exceeding RD$75 million, the project aims to improve the use of space and enhance the welfare of temporarily detained foreigners. The Haitian delegation observed multipurpose areas designated for pregnant women and their children, who receive 24/7 medical care and basic necessities. The tour also detailed the intake process for undocumented migrants, which includes biometric registration in line with national and international legal standards.