Foreign Ministry organizes humanitarian air corridor from Haiti

Santo Domingo.- The government, under the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has established an international corridor to facilitate the humanitarian departure of Dominicans, diplomats from friendly nations, and representatives of international organizations.

This initiative was elucidated by Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez, who affirmed that while the Dominican embassy in Haiti remains operational to assist Dominican residents in the neighboring country, the consulates are currently closed.

Álvarez emphasized that this endeavor involves collaborative efforts across various institutions, with the Foreign Ministry serving as the central axis owing to its international responsibility.

The diplomat further disclosed that the evacuation of diplomatic personnel from nine countries, along with representatives from international organizations such as the World Bank and the European Union, has been orchestrated from the Dominican diplomatic headquarters in Haiti.

However, citing security concerns, Álvarez refrained from disclosing the identities of the countries availing themselves of this logistical support or confirming whether they remain in Dominican territory.

The chancellor clarified that Dominican Ambassador Faruk Miguel remains stationed in Haiti and highlighted the bolstered security measures in response to the ongoing crisis situation.

Security Protocols for Diplomatic Evacuations 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ General Director of Security, General Mao Enua Gómez, has outlined expedited security protocols for the evacuation of diplomatic delegations and international organizations necessitated by the ongoing crisis in the neighboring nation.  General Gómez explained that the process involves a meticulous protocol for reviewing and validating evacuation requests, subsequently requiring approval from the Dominican government, a step consistently undertaken in each case.

He detailed the procedure, wherein missions communicate their evacuation requests through diplomatic channels, providing essential personnel data. Subsequently, comprehensive security, health, and migration procedures are initiated.

Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez clarified that coordination for evacuations in Haiti persists with the existing government and Council of Ministers, led by Minister of Finance Michel Patrick Boisvert, who assumes daily administration duties during Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s absence.

Despite the violence and political turmoil in Haiti, Álvarez highlighted that none of the over two thousand Dominicans residing there have been evacuated for humanitarian reasons.

Regarding binational markets, which serve as critical hubs for Dominican merchants and foreigners deprived of access to food due to instability in their country, Álvarez affirmed their continued operation.

Source: El Día