Amnesty International urges Dominican Republic to separate healthcare access from immigration enforcement

Amnesty International has called on the Dominican Republic to immediately separate healthcare services from immigration control, criticizing a government protocol that permits the deportation of undocumented Haitian migrants after they receive medical treatment.

The human rights organization said the policy conflicts with the country’s recent appointment as president of the World Health Assembly, stressing that the Dominican Republic must guarantee access to healthcare for everyone within its territory without racial discrimination. Amnesty warned that the protocol may deter Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent from seeking medical attention for fear of detention and deportation.

Introduced in April 2025, the protocol requires foreign patients to provide valid identification, proof of residence, employment documentation, and payment for medical services. Those unable to meet these requirements receive treatment but can be deported once they recover. Official data show that the Dominican Republic deported 370,000 Haitian nationals in 2025, a 37.4% increase compared to 2024.