The Dominican Republic has announced plans to intensify the deportation of Haitian migrants, with up to 10,000 individuals set to be expelled each week. The move was confirmed by government spokesman Homero Figueroa on Wednesday, as the country grapples with what it describes as an “excess” of Haitian immigrants. The decision comes amid growing concerns over Haiti’s ongoing struggles with gang violence, which has led to increased migration to its neighboring country.

Figueroa pointed out that the Dominican Republic has seen a noticeable rise in Haitian migrants as a UN-backed mission aimed at tackling gang violence in Haiti struggles to make progress. The Dominican government also announced that it will be enhancing its border surveillance to prevent further illegal migration, although no specific details on these measures were provided. This crackdown is expected to affect thousands of undocumented Haitians who have been living in the Dominican Republic.

Last year, the Dominican Republic deported over 174,000 individuals it identified as Haitian migrants. In the first half of this year alone, at least 67,000 people have been expelled. The Dominican government’s stance on migration has faced significant criticism from human rights organizations, which accuse President Luis Abinader’s administration of violating the rights of Haitians and individuals of Haitian descent. These activists claim that the deportation policy is harsh and inhumane, particularly toward those born in the Dominican Republic to Haitian parents. Abinader, however, denies any mistreatment and maintains that the deportations are necessary to control immigration.

The announcement comes on the heels of Abinader’s speech at the UN General Assembly, where he warned of “drastic measures” should the international community fail to stabilize Haiti. The mission in Haiti, currently supported by police officers from Kenya, Jamaica, and Belize, has faced severe challenges, with the United States warning that it lacks adequate personnel and funding. The situation in Haiti remains dire, with gangs controlling 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Violence and instability have forced nearly 700,000 Haitians into homelessness, while thousands more have fled the country in search of safety.

As the Dominican Republic prepares to ramp up deportations, concerns grow over the humanitarian implications of the policy. The ongoing instability in Haiti shows no sign of abating, and the international community is under increasing pressure to take decisive action. Meanwhile, the Dominican government remains firm in its stance on migration control, determined to address the growing influx of Haitian migrants.