Santo Domingo
The Dominican government has made commitments in the National Pact for the Haitian crisis, which was signed on Thursday with academics and representatives of political organizations. However, the main opposition parties were not present.
President Luis Abinader signed the document, committing to organizing Haitian immigration and labor hiring comprehensively. There will also be reforms in the border area to promote development.
One of the articles orders the cessation of hiring Haitian labor in violation of the law by the central government and other organizations. The National Migration Council will grant permits for immigrant workers based on annual admission quotas for different sectors.
The government will regulate the employment of Haitians in construction works and offer the construction and operation of three hospitals in Haiti, along with training their personnel.
To eliminate the need for these workers, the intention is to generate commitments for productive transformation with the business sectors and gradually incorporate the Dominican workforce into affected sectors.
The government also intends to reform the rule of the General Directorate of Internal Taxes so that companies provide payroll information and payment details for the workers.
Haitian workers with legal status should have the same labor rights as Dominican workers, and the state will deport foreigners in violation of immigration laws.
The National Council for Children and Adolescents will verify that unaccompanied minors are not included in the deportation process.
The document emphasizes the development of a biometric control program for foreigners and the modernization of visa issuance by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
International Crusade
The Pact for the Haitian crisis also calls for an international crusade to encourage other countries to support Haiti.
Special missions will be sent abroad to achieve greater commitment from the international community and invite other governments to make significant investments in Haiti.
The Dominican Republic is willing to invest money in constructing hospitals and other strategic projects in Haiti.
Border Control
The government plans to implement stricter border control measures, including remote technological supervision, technological devices along the border wall, and evaluating the performance of agents involved in illegal travel organizations.
The government also aims to restore or replace missing or displaced border terminals, implement real-time satellite surveillance, and evaluate the use of detectors for weapons, explosives, ammunition, and other hazardous materials.
To promote prosperity in border communities, the government will develop plans that include a fair salary policy and a special service status for civil, police, and military public servants in the region.