The Migration Agency (DGM) announced new norms to regulate the entry and stay of sports people in the country. The DGM says the measure seeks to regulate the growing flow of foreign baseball players, mostly minors. These individuals have been entering supposedly as tourists and overstaying their tourist visas or permissions.
The new norms seek to prevent cases of foreigners arriving to practice or participate in professional sports without showing proof of the approval of their parents and without the corresponding visa. Often times, when these individuals are ultimately not signed by baseball teams, they remained in the country in violation of the immigration law.
The document that became effective on 31 July 2017 was prepared by the DGM in consultation with the office of the legal advisor to the Executive Branch and the Ministry of Foreign Relations as well with representatives of Major League Baseball in the country.
The authorities coordinated the granting of a grace period so that both major league and minor league teams could restructure and reorganize “try outs” in the country. The grace period will allow other clubs and regional and local associations that invite foreign players to participate in sports events, to put place procedures that are in concert with the new DGM rules and regulations.
In compliance with Migration Law 285-04, these athletes are required to request a visa through a Dominican foreign consulate abroad, have a passport with at least a six month expiration date, return air or sea ticket, and address in the Dominican Republic. In the case of minors, these persons need to present an authorization signed by the parents or legal guardian notarized in the country of origin.
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7 Dias
1 August 2017
