Legislators support 80% Dominican job quota, 20% for foreign workers

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader’s recent stance regarding the construction and agriculture sectors, in light of a mass deportation plan for Haitians in irregular situations, has sparked discussion among legislators about the enforcement of Law 80-20. This law mandates that 80% of a company’s workforce must be Dominican, with only 20% allowed to be foreign workers—an edict that many argue is not being effectively implemented.

Deputy Ramón Castillo emphasized the necessity for the Dominican government to actively support the regularization of foreign workers. He proposed that the state should facilitate the legalization of Haitians and other foreign workers whom businesses wish to employ, suggesting that the government should renew their legal status every six months. Castillo criticized employers who exploit irregular labor for its cost-effectiveness.

Senator Ginnette Bournigal of Puerto Plata, affiliated with the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), called for a shift in societal perceptions regarding employment in the construction sector. She argued for the need to motivate local citizens to take on jobs such as teaching or trade work, stating, “This myth that Haitians earn less isn’t always true; sometimes they earn more.” While she acknowledged the importance of secure borders, she urged for a pragmatic approach to immigration, noting the United States’ management of its border with Mexico as a model.

Amado Díaz, spokesperson for PRM deputies, echoed the call for strict adherence to the 80-20 law, criticizing Dominican businesses for their perceived greed. He asserted that the surge in immigration is largely driven by employers who prefer to hire cheap Haitian labor for their operations.

This ongoing discussion surrounding the 80-20 law and foreign labor underscores the tension in the Dominican Republic between economic demands and immigration policy, particularly in industries like construction and agriculture that rely heavily on Haitian labor.