The recently-signed National Pact brings to the forefront several legislation already in place and is a reminder of the importance of complying with these. It is an attempt to thoroughly reorganize the many issues surrounding Haitian migration and the hiring of Haitian workers. It is also intended as a national effort to assist Haiti.
One of the paragraphs orders that contracting of Haitian workers who are not legally in the country is to cease in all projects of the central government, autonomous entities, and municipalities. Whether this is doable or not is something to be seen. It is widely recognized that Haitian labor pours cement, prepares the rebar work, and lays the blocks in most constructions here.
One suggestion in the National Pact is for the National Migration Council to establish quotas for laborers in each major sector such as agriculture, construction, or industry.
The Pact also calls for the preparation and incorporation of much more Dominican labor in those areas now dominated by Haitians and even proposes to offer Haiti the construction and operation of three hospitals and the training of the necessary personnel.
On the Big Brother (1984) side of things, the Pact proposes to require companies to provide their payrolls that will have to include the personal data of each person and the amount paid, and the government will ensure that Haitian workers — with legal status — will have the same protection of the labor laws as Dominicans.
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Diario Libre
Diario Libre
30 October 2023