As they seek to escape the situation of insecurity and economic collapse in Haiti, thousands of Haitians cross the 391 km border to the Dominican Republic. Diario Libre reports that official migration data reveals that nearly a quarter of these do not return, putting a strain on border control and social services.
Diario Libre reports that in 2022 the influx of Haitians was over 333,000 recorded entries and 251,408 departures.
Diario Libre reports that Migration Agency (DGM) statistics indicate from 2020 to 2024 through the official border entry points of El Carrizal, Dajabón, Elías Piña, Jimaní and Pedernales there is a registration of 1,002,644 entries and 754,106 departures of Haitians. This is a difference of 248,538, or about 25% of those who entered did not leave.
The mass migration from Haiti follows the worsening of the political instability, economic hardships and natural disasters in that country. The extension of the border makes it very difficult to control. Moreso, on market days, the gates are opened for the entry of all, with or without documents, and there are no checks on who returns.
Recently, with a change in the director of Migration and the commander of the Army, the authorities have begun to crack down on people smuggling networks that many times include the military themselves. For the first time in decades, the authorities have begun to announce catching some people smugglers. The trickle of persons deported has impacted the flow of migration and, at least temporarily, served the purpose of checking mass migration from Haiti.
The Abinader administration has announced it would deport up to 10,000 Haitians per week in an attempt to control the mass migration that is burdening government finances. The authorities reported the deportation of 27,000 in October 2024, the first month of the operation. Similar operations in the past have not been sustained in time.
Official statistics do not take into consideration the thousands that regularly cross through the 391 km land border with the Dominican Republic. The Dominican government is building a fence and has completed about 30 km.
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Diario Libre
Diario Libre
31 October 2024