Minister of Foreign Relations Roberto Alvarez told El Nuevo Diario that the Dominican government is working on “a real regularization plan” for Haitian immigrants. In the interview, he said the government seeks to end the rotating door for Haitian migration that exists at present. He also spoke about how he favors that the government penalize employers of workers with irregular status.
Alvarez says that the position of the Dominican government is that “Haiti is the responsibility of Haitians.” He said the country has been pressed to assume more responsibility.
He explained that the political, economic, business, religious and academic elites in Haiti are responsible for what happens in Haiti. He spoke of how important sectors in Haiti oppose international assistance to the police force.
Meanwhile, he says the Dominican Republic is carrying a heavy burden assuming social spending for education and health of the Haitians who migrate here seeking these services mostly free. On market days on the border, all Haitians are allowed to enter via border gates. There is no control over who returns. Likewise, the almost 400 km border is loosely patrolled.
Alvarez understands right now there is a need for a multinational force to help eliminate the gangs that control 65% of Haitian territory.
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El Nuevo Diario
El Nuevo Diario
El Nuevo Diario
3 August 2023