In a written statement, the Migration Agency (DGM) reiterated on Wednesday, 8 February 2017, their respect for human rights and that the entity carries out its duties professionally. Recently there has been criticism regarding operations that aim to verify the legal status of foreigners in the country.
In the press statement, the agency says that foreigners whose documents are expired are required in a respectful manner to get them up to date by the agents. The DGM confirmed that immigration inspectors are combing the country, with a focus in tourist areas and their agents have been instructed to give all persons the best of treatment. The official statement says: “It is not true that we are causing panic among foreigners who are illegal he in the country; what is happening is that they have to normalize their status just like what happens in other countries where some Dominicans may be living without proper travel papers.”
The Migration agency says that when an inspector detains a foreigner because he or she cannot produce valid documentation, the agents are instructed to immediately refer that person to the proper authorities so these may update their papers. The document says that these actions are routine and the agents are performing their duties in the same manner as in other countries.
9 February 2017
