President Luis Abinader has introduced measures to address illegal immigration from neighbouring Haiti, where the continuing violence is forcing many to flee. The new policies, described as ‘painful but necessary’, include charging migrants for hospital services and penalising those who rent to undocumented individuals. He is also increasing military presence at the border and speeding up border wall construction. He said that his country’s resources were strained, and spoke of the burden on hospitals, schools, and security. Human rights activists have criticised the measures as discriminatory and accused the government of abusing migrants. Over 180,000 migrants have already been deported, and stricter penalties will be imposed on those who aid illegal crossings. However, this week the nation’s attention is focussed on a tragedy in the capital, Santo Domingo: at least 184 were killed and over 250 injured after a roof collapsed at a nightclub. See
Dominican Republic: tighter controls on illegal immigration from Haiti
Written by David Fletcher 11 Apr 2025
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- Pray: for wisdom and compassion as officials navigate difficult situations. Pray that human dignity will be respected. (Psalm 34:18)
- More: apnews.com/article/dominican-republic-abinader-measures-illegal-migrants-haiti-573981c2f42f849b6f62c6ac8a8dd960