Government launches Migration Policy Observatory

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has issued Decree No. 215-25 establishing the Migration Policy Observatory, a new platform designed to promote citizen participation, transparency, and oversight in shaping the Dominican Republic’s immigration policies. This initiative aims to involve civil society in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of migration strategies.

The Observatory will function under the National Migration Council and be led by an executive committee chaired by journalist Miguel Franjul. It will collaborate closely with the Ministry of the Interior and Police. The committee includes respected figures from various sectors, such as INTEC rector Julio Sánchez Maríñez, Archbishop Héctor Rafael Rodríguez of Santiago, Pastor Feliciano Lacen Custodio of CODUE, Jacinto Pichardo from the Duartiano Institute, Juan Mera of Santiago’s Development Association, César Dargam of CONEP, and Juan Bancalari from ASONAHORES. All members will serve without compensation.

The decree also allows for the inclusion of additional civil society members and the formation of permanent expert working groups. This move underscores the government’s commitment to a more inclusive and transparent approach to immigration policy that aligns with the country’s best interests.