“Exploiting Our Generosity”: Dominican Republic Deports Haitian Women and Children Amid Outcry
April 2025
The Dominican Republic has come under renewed scrutiny following the deportation of a group of Haitian women and children who had recently received hospital care. According to the Dominican immigration authority, the deportees were first transferred to a detention facility where biometric data and fingerprints were collected. They were subsequently handed over to Haitian officials at the Elías Piña border checkpoint.
Authorities Defend Deportation Process
The General Directorate of Migration stated that all individuals were deported only after medical clearance. Officials emphasized the use of buses with air conditioning, padded seats, safety belts, and surveillance cameras. Food was also provided during transit.
Health Professionals Sound the Alarm
The Dominican College of Physicians condemned the action as “inhumane,” warning that checking immigration status at hospitals could deter undocumented migrants from seeking emergency medical care. “Health care should not be a tool for immigration enforcement,” the group warned.
A Growing Migrant Crisis
An estimated 500,000 Haitians live in the Dominican Republic, a country of 11 million. A 2024 study reported that about 33,000 Haitian mothers gave birth in Dominican hospitals last year, adding pressure on public health services and sparking growing frustration among locals.
President Abinader Stands Firm
President Luis Abinader stated, “Our generosity will not be exploited,” and announced that ID checks would become mandatory in hospitals. Those without legal documents would be deported after treatment.
Over 80,000 people have been deported to Haiti since January 2025, according to AFP.
Rights Groups and the UN Speak Out
Human rights organizations have criticized the deportations as “cruel,” especially in light of the deepening humanitarian crisis in Haiti. In 2024, over 5,600 people died due to gang violence, and several hospitals were forced to shut down after being stormed by gangs.
UN Special Representative María Isabel Salvador warned that Haiti is nearing a “point of no return” and urged international intervention.
The situation underscores the challenges at the intersection of migration policy, public health, and humanitarian responsibility. The world watches closely as the Dominican Republic balances national priorities with international scrutiny.