Dominican Republic denies entry to 20 foreigners with criminal records each week, Abinader says

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader said the Dominican Republic is denying entry to approximately 20 foreigners each week because authorities identify criminal records in their countries of origin.

The president explained that the measure applies even to citizens of countries whose nationals do not require a visa to enter the Dominican Republic. He said the government’s position is to prevent the arrival of individuals who could pose a risk to public safety.

“Those who should be coming here are tourists, not criminals,” Abinader said.

The president did not specify the nationalities of the people denied entry.

Abinader also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to pursuing individuals who commit crimes in the country, saying authorities have the technology, personnel, and determination needed to locate and arrest them.

He made the statements Monday afternoon during the Weekly Agenda, where he discussed the Strategic Citizen Security Plan at a strategic roundtable.