DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Diario Libre reports that despite a purge of dozens of superfluous appointees in foreign service, the Dominican Republic continues to be one of the few countries in the world with a consular system that is based on political patronage. The leading media outlet says that consular positions continue to be a way for enrichment for a privileged few.

Diario Libre explains that in addition to high salaries, Dominican consuls receive for use at their discretion the bulk of extra charges made to issue documentation or stamps required by Dominicans living abroad and for other services for trade and commerce. The most lucrative consulates are those in the United States, Spain, Italy and Haiti, where large populations of Dominicans live.

The consuls are allowed to collect fees above those set by the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Mirex).

Diario Libre highlights that the...