SANTO DOMINGO — The Dominican Republic has deported dozens of pregnant women, new mothers, and children back to Haiti as part of a growing crackdown on illegal immigration.
Authorities confirmed that 135 women and children were detained on Monday at a detention center for undocumented migrants before being sent to Haiti. This move follows the implementation of new immigration policies under President Luis Abinader, requiring hospital staff to collect identification, employment letters, and proof of residence from patients to be verified by immigration agents.
Under the new policy, which took effect on Monday, 33 public hospitals, where up to 80% of births to foreign mothers occur, have been at the forefront of the crackdown. According to National Health Service (SNS) Director Mario Lama, hospitals are now required to ensure the immigration status of foreign patients before providing services.
The deportations came after these women and children were identified under the new protocol, but Dominican authorities emphasized that they were treated “humanely and with dignity” throughout the process. They were transferred to buses after receiving a medical check-up and were declared free of health risks.
However, rights groups and health organizations have raised alarms. The UN expressed concern about the policy’s impact on healthcare access. “We are deeply worried about the potential negative consequences on health,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General. He added that the measure could deter vulnerable populations from seeking essential care, fearing deportation.
The Dominican Medical Association said the policy, stating that such rigid rules for individuals with medical needs could jeopardize lives. While the Dominican government has stated that no one would be denied medical care, critics argue that this will discourage people, especially pregnant women and children, from seeking help in hospitals.
Amnesty International also voiced its concerns, stating that the protocol jeopardizes people’s right to health and privacy, potentially putting pregnant women, children, and victims of violence at risk by discouraging them from seeking care.
Escalating Crisis
In recent months, the Dominican Republic has deported over 180,000 people, mainly from Haiti, which is facing extreme instability due to rampant gang violence and the collapse of basic services. The United Nations has warned that Haiti is on the brink of collapse due to escalating violence, with many health facilities forced to shut down, including the University Hospital of Mirebalais, which was attacked by gangs in March.
The situation has left thousands of Haitians without access to healthcare, further fueling the migration crisis as many seek refuge in the Dominican Republic.
María Isabel Salvador, the UN’s top Haiti envoy, recently warned that Haiti could face total collapse without urgent international intervention.
