May 1, 2025
The Haitian government announced on Friday, April 25, the voluntary return of 732 compatriots in an irregular situation in the Dominican Republic, marking the beginning of an organized program supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This initiative follows a meeting between Chancellor Jean-Victor Jean-Baptiste and the Dominican Ambassador to Haiti, Faruk Miguel Castillo, to discuss the situation of Haitian migrants.
During the discussions, Haitian authorities reaffirmed their commitment to the 1999 Repatriation Protocol, while calling for the respect of the fundamental rights of their nationals. Although the Dominican Republic asserts that it is acting within the framework of its sovereignty, some practices have raised concerns among human rights defenders.
The relations between the two countries remain complex, marked by economic challenges and significant migration flows. While Santo Domingo justifies its policy on grounds of security and regulation, Port-au-Prince advocates for a more humane approach that aligns with international commitments.
The Dominican diplomat pledged to communicate Haiti’s concerns to his government, hinting at possible future collaboration. However, questions remain regarding the actual conditions of repatriations and the reception of returnee migrants in Haiti.
Despite tensions, the two countries share a long history of cooperation, particularly in trade and security. Dialogue remains essential to strike a balance between migration management and the protection of Haitian workers’ rights, many of whom contribute to the growth of the Dominican economy.
