Hoy newspaper reports that the National Department of Investigations (DNI) has lifted the travel restrictions it had placed on certain foreign citizens after the September 11 attacks. In the first few days after the attacks, numerous travelers from Pakistan, Arab and Middle East countries trying to enter or leave the DR were detained and interrogated by DNI authorities. Now, these foreigners only have to fill out a form stating where they plan to stay in the DR and where exactly they are going after they leave here.
There are many students, businessmen, missionaries and professionals who come here from Arab countries, Pakistan, Iran and the Middle East. DNI sources told Hoy that their investigations show most of these citizens are not linked to any groups involved in terrorist actions. (12 October 2001)
