A growing number of Dominicans are choosing to return to their homeland. Over 3,000 have voluntarily repatriated so far this year, according to official figures.
El Nacional reports that many of those returning resided in the United States, Puerto Rico, Spain, and other European nations, often under irregular migration statuses. However, what is new is that a rising number of Dominicans who had held legal residency or citizenship abroad are also returning.
The majority of returnees told the El Nacional reporter they returned seeking a better quality of life and to escape the challenges faced as undocumented migrants. “We had to endure a lot of hardships and constant fear of being deported,” shared a group of women who returned from Panama. “We decided it was better to face any challenges at home rather than continue living in constant uncertainty.”
While some Dominicans reported fleeing economic hardship or political instability in their host countries, others simply expressed a longing to be closer to family and friends.
The trend of voluntary repatriation among Dominicans has been on the rise in recent years, with thousands returning each year. Factors contributing to this trend include changes in immigration policies in host countries, economic challenges, and a growing sense of nationalism among Dominicans abroad.
More work opportunities in the Dominican Republic are also behind the returns. Many young people return to exploit their new talents and develop businesses here. Others return home to take advantage of the remote working possibilities now available all around the world.
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El Nacional
1 October 2024