SANTO DOMINGO.-The Dominican Government came forward almost immediately to statements by the Chancellor of Haiti regarding an alleged agreement to reduce repatriations and denied the statement, reaffirming its immigration policy.
The Minister of the Interior and Police, Faride Raful, responded in the same way to the Haitian Foreign Minister, Dominique Dupuy, denying statements that the Dominican Republic has reduced repatriations.
The Director of Immigration, Vice Admiral Rafael Lee Ballester, reported that this entity has continued with the same rate of interdiction of irregular immigrants and that so far it has not received any instructions to reduce it.
“We are focused on enforcing Dominican immigration laws, in response to the express mandate of the President of the Republic,” said Lee Ballester when asked by EL DÍA about the statements of the Chancellor of Haiti stating that she achieved a reduction in repatriations due to pressure. foreigners.
“We have not reduced our pace nor have we received instructions to do so,” he said.
Chancellor Dupuy wrote on her social networks welcoming “the reduction in deportations, the result of our efforts and solidarity with our allies. Haiti aspires to a frank and respectful dialogue with the Dominican Republic, for a partnership where each nation finds its advantages.”
The Dominican Immigration director was emphatic in pointing out that there has been no provision to reduce work to enforce Dominican immigration laws.
He explained that the process is carried out in compliance with human rights, due process, also in accordance with Dominican laws.
Rising numbers
Lee Ballester reported that in the month of October 40,223 were repatriated and that so far this week 2,923 foreigners have already been returned to their country for residing illegally in Dominican territory.
He stated that in addition to repatriations, Immigration is also attacking immigrant trafficking gangs.
