The people smuggling networks respond to the demand for the service. Haitians cross the border given the insecurity, lack of jobs and social services in Haiti. In the DR, they find work and bring their families, where these receive medical and education services for free. The networks help the undocumented migrants to bypass the law.
Business leaders have put forth a series of proposals aimed at improving the hiring process for foreign workers and enhancing cross-border trade between the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Among the suggestions are the establishment of clear protocols for hiring foreign labor, the implementation of biometric systems to ensure the safe entry of workers, and the strict enforcement of the Foreigner’s Border Resident Card as stipulated by Migration Law 285-04.
Additionally, business leaders have called for the reactivation of the Dominican-Haitian Binational Committee to foster better multi-sectoral communication and address the economic and political needs of the border region. They have also emphasized the importance of promoting cross-border trade at both the national and international levels and have advocated for the daily operation and formalization of border markets.
These proposals aim to improve living conditions in the border region, streamline immigration procedures, and strengthen economic ties between the two neighboring countries.
The situation of Haitian workers is more difficult than that of other nationalities because the Haitian government does not document the people in Haiti. This leaves the Dominican government with the basic resource of biometric registration of the migrants. For years, the Dominican government has demanded that the Haitian government document its people with little results. The Haitian government has also rejected donations of equipment.
The mayor of border province Dajabon, Santiago Riveron protested that the Haitians who come to work bring their families with them. Haitian families are not known to practice birth control.
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Listin Diario
23 October 2024