Dominican Republic - April 2025
Government announces new measures to tackle irregular migrants from Haiti
On 6 April, President Luis Abinader announced 15 new measures targeting undocumented migrants from Haiti, including deploying over a thousand new soldiers to the border and expanding the border wall with Haiti. The government also announced intentions to “Dominicanize” employment by attracting Dominican workers and promoting the mechanization of sectors dominated by Haitian workers. Among the most controversial actions is a protocol requiring hospital personnel to request ID, proof of employment and residence before providing care. While undocumented patients will still be treated, they face deportation once recovered. Human rights organizations have called for the government to stop massive deportation and to repeal the hospital protocol, calling it illegal and warning about the potential risk to the lives of migrants who will be forced to choose between healthcare and possible deportation. The government says the measures are necessary to address rising irregular migration, ease pressure on public services, and manage security risks.
Sources: Listín Diario, The Guardian, Amnesty International, BBC
Hundreds of people die in an accident at a nightclub
On 8 April, a tragedy occurred when the roof of Jetset, a popular Santo Domingo nightclub, suddenly collapsed onto more than 500 attendees. Over 230 people died in the incident. The government has announced the formation of a special committee—comprised of local and international experts—to investigate the incident. Several lawsuits have been filed against the club’s owner and local officials, alleging failure to enforce and maintain basic safety standards prior to the tragedy. The nightclub disaster comes amid a pattern of recent building collapses in the country that have also resulted in fatalities and raises the question of state co-responsibility over the event. Currently, the country has no government agency dedicated to overseeing the maintenance of private businesses; however, the government has announced plans to introduce new legislation in response.
Sources: New York Times, Listín Diario, El Pais
Rule of Law
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Rule of Law
