The Dominican Republic has experienced a significant increase in the number of work permits issued to foreign nationals this year. According to the Migration Agency (DGM), nearly 44,000 residency permits have been granted as of September 2024, with temporary work permits accounting for the largest share.
Temporary work permits (TT-1) saw a surge in demand, with over 18,000 issued during the first nine months of the year. These permits, valid for one year, are granted to foreigners employed by legally established companies in the Dominican Republic. August witnessed the highest number of temporary work permits issued, totaling 2,935.
Following closely behind temporary work permits, the RT-9 category, which allows foreigners to reside temporarily in the country, accounted for 33.6% of all permits issued. May was the peak month for RT-9 permits, with over 2,293 granted.
Student visas (E-1) ranked third in terms of demand, with over 2,445 issued. May also saw the highest number of student visas granted.
Permanent residency (RP-1) was granted to over 2,308 foreigners, representing a 5.5% share of the total. The DGM noted that permanent residency is typically granted to foreigners who have held a temporary residence permit for five consecutive years.
Other categories in high demand included RT-3 (for individuals engaged in specific labor activities), RT-7 (dependents of RT-3 and RT-4 permit holders), and RT-4 (religious workers).
The main problem impacting Haitian laborers, nevertheless, is that a majority enters without Haitian documentation because the governments of Haiti have been lenient in documenting the population.
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Diario Libre
5 November 2024