Immigration and Overstay Issues

The recent issues in Ciudad Juan Bosch has brought illegal immigration to the fore as expected. there has been a lot of articles in the press and the head of immigration has been speaking to the media and reinforcing his intention to apply the immigration law in full and end illegal immigration by foreigners:

Here is the latest report today:

Director of Immigration: "The one who is illegal, if he fell into my hands, he leaves"


The director of Migration , Enrique García Sánchez , reiterated this Friday that he is going to comply with the immigration laws of the Dominican Republic, by deporting people who do not have documents to remain in this nation.

"The one that is illegal, if it fell into my hands, it goes away, because I am going to get it out," said García Sánchez.

The director of Migration specified that the Dominican Republic cannot give up its right to comply with the regulations.

In the case of the regularization plan for Venezuelans, he stated that the citizens of that nation were helped because they have their papers

However, in the case of Haitians, he said that most of them do not have any type of paper; therefore, they cannot execute a plan to help them normalize their immigration status. In that sense, García Sánchez reiterated to the illegals: "If you don't leave, we're going to get you out."

He said that the Haitian issue is so many years behind schedule that no work has been done. He explained that it is the first time that the Migration Council , which is the body that draws up migration policy, meets on a recurring basis. He revealed that in this Government in one month, the Council has met four times. "Attention is being paid to the issue, but it really isn't so simple that it can be resolved from now to tomorrow, because there are even legal issues," said the official while participating in the "55 Minutes" program on CDN.

García Sánchez said that they not only deport natives from Haiti, but also from Colombia, whose citizens can enter the Dominican Republic without visas. Also to people from Russia and Uzbekistan, a country in Central Asia, which was a member of the Soviet Union.

Migratory alerts

Regarding the migratory alerts, García Sánchez indicated that he recognized that they are illegal practices that they ordered from previous efforts in the Attorney General's Office.

He said that they only execute exit impediments to the orders that are signed by the judges.

The General Directorate of Migration has been in the public eye in recent days, due to operations carried out in Ciudad Juan Bosch. In a video sent to the DL newsroom, two men with caps bearing the acronym of the General Directorate of Migration  (DGM) and a soldier were seen climbing to enter an apartment building without the residents' permission. The DGM carried out operations in this residential complex, after the day before, its agents were stoned by Haitians with illegal immigration status.

It would appear many contributors to this forum are taking steps to get residency and others do consider the staying extension and that is the best approach imo. There is the group that based on history just overstay and that is their choice. But it is worth continuing posting the many changes that continue to occur at DGM and the intent of its leadership to end the non application of the immigration law so they can see it is not all as before. Whilst the Haitian and Venezuelan issues were the top of the list they are now also dealing with Colombians, other South Americans, Chinese, Russians and other Asian nationalities. Overstaying westerners remain the lowest priority and few are penalized right now.
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Says Migration has deported 300 thousand illegals, most of them Haitians


The Dominican authorities have repatriated more than 300,000 undocumented foreigners in 18 months, most of them Haitians, the Director of Migration reported Thursday.

Enrique García also said that he has canceled a large number of inspectors at airports in various parts of the country, for linking them to human trafficking abroad with adulterated documents and other illegal actions.

"In one year and six months we have taken more than 300,000 undocumented foreigners out of the country under the protection of the law that governs the Dominican Immigration System," he said.

OTHER NATIONALITIES

He said that Venezuelan, Colombian, Russian, Puerto Rican, Czech, Chinese and other nationalities have also been repatriated, who were scattered throughout the national territory and who are engaged in different productive activities.

The Director of Immigration said that foreigners were detained in Greater Santo Domingo, National District, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana, Santiago, Puerto Plata, Moca, La Vega, Mao, Valverde, among other places.

García said that there are many undocumented foreigners who go to the General Directorate of Migration in search of regularizing their status, but others refuse to do so, which is why they are being detained and taken out of the country.

REMOVAL OF INSPECTORS

In another order, the official reported that in the time he has been in charge of Immigration he has had to cancel a considerable number of inspectors for being involved in various illegal actions.

"In my management as Director of Migration there is a system of consequence, if we verify the participation of an inspector of the agency in actions that are harmful to the institution, we immediately proceed to take the appropriate measure," he said.

He said that to prevent employees from incurring illegal actions, he tries to improve their living conditions more and more, including better salaries and diets.

There is a lot changing at DGM. like all government authorities they were lax and had corrupt elements. It was a case of clean up shop, correct the failures of the past and then begin to apply the law. Dealing with illegal Haitians is a very popular theme politically and the nationalists have been vocal in praising the actions of DGM

For sure if you overstay, don't work. With the changes to other government bodies under this government, they have better coordination. And my advice would to prepare yourself for the inevitable application of the law and stiff questioning when you return especially of you have had long overstays. Remember the online e-ticket gives them advance warning of your travel so they can be ready. It should also give them your location in DR which will be used by the regional foreigner registration offices when they get operational.
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I have noticed increase of number of  Venezuelans and Colombians last few years.
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Hard to believe he is talking about the Punta Cana zone, but the Head of Immigration stated this afternoon that El Hoyo de Fruisa in Bavaro is the most dangerous place in DR and that they intend to raid the zone soon to rid the area of Haitian illegals:

Director of Migration: "El Hoyo de Friusa is the most dangerous corner that exists in the country"


The head of the General Directorate of Migration (DGMI), Enrique García, said that the town of " El Hoyo de Friusa " in Bávaro (eastern Dominican Republic), is "the most dangerous corner that exists in the country."(  “la esquina más peligrosa que existe en el país”.)

According to the official, this place represents an alert for the Dominican State because "it is taken over by Haitian nationals ."

By publicly implying that the agency he directs is aware of what is happening there , García was questioned by the panelists of the radio program "La Option de la Mañana" about why Migration does not intervene in the area.

"We intervened El Hoyo de Friusa  with more than 150 soldiers, that is the most dangerous place that exists for State intelligence," he said. “ Neither the Police nor Immigration can enter there , a contingent has to enter,” added the official.

Likewise, he described the situation as "a major problem" and announced that in the next few days the town will intervene again in order to send those who reside in this space under illegal conditions to the neighboring country.

“ Little Haiti ”, as “El Hoyo de Friusa” is also known, is a community located in the municipality of Bávaro, province of La Altagracia. Hundreds of undocumented Haitians live there.

For several years, Dominicans residing in the communities   near this town have denounced that acts of crime, slums, prostitution, human trafficking and even the sale and consumption of drugs are perpetuated there without any authority "doing anything" about it. .
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Listin Diario are behind with the news because the arrests have started today .....

Migration intervenes several sectors in Punta Cana and detains 325 undocumented Haitians


Some 325 undocumented Haitians were arrested through operations by the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) in collaboration with members of the Army, the Navy and the National Police in the area of ​​Bávaro, Punta Cana .

The sectors intervened in that town by the authorities were Cabeza de Toro, Hoyo de Friusa, Alto de Friusa, El Ejecutivo, Verón, Mata Mosquito, Villa Plywood, Kosovo, Villa Europa, Bello Amanecer and La Gallera, La Altagracia province. with the objective of identifying undocumented foreigners and submitting them under the current immigration laws of the Dominican Republic.
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Maybe they could not release the story until today until the operation was already underway?
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Removing illegal Haitians is one thing, but not really the subject of this thread. 


Very little, if anything, has been done to people that overstay from tourist card countries. 
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Removing illegal Haitians is one thing, but not really the subject of this thread. 


Very little, if anything, has been done to people that overstay from tourist card countries. 
- @windeguy

A valid point and if the moderators wish they could move such Immigration related posts to a separate thread. There is no other thread to update on the continuing actions and changes at DGM.

This government has only been in power for less than two years and has taken many more actions in that time than the previous regime did in the 16 years that followed the introduction of the Immigration Law. That has included removing all the corrupt DGM officials and the significant introduction of the digitalized e-ticket and insistence on airlines demanding a return ticket. What could happen in the next two years may also be significant.

But right now the actions to deal with the illegal Haitian issue are top, front and centre and the raids are happening daily with transfer to the holding centre at Haina and formalization of their deportation. The mayor of Santo Domingo North is working with DGM in yesterdays news to remove several hundred in the barrios in the north of the capital. At last it is a joint effort between municipalities and the DGM and that will be a basis for success going forward.
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It is  relevant but slightly off topic.  We could split it  off or we could change the title of the thread! 
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I  have asked for a title change that is more inclusive!
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I was just allowed to use the auto gate at PUJ being a resident. Is this a new benefit that is coming? Big plus if so.
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I think certain countries are permitted to use it.....

PUJ is a different system, they say
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I have been using the "auto-gate" for a number of years...other people call it the VIP service...
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Why would the government care if a tourist  overstayed his 30 day limit.. ?
The person in question probably just spent more money on food and services
and it's not like he's using a hotel room meant for another guest……and on his way
home he'll drop a few more bucks at the airport paying the penalty , win win situation $$$…., I'm sure if the tourist was an undesirable they would have tracked him down a lot earlier …just think of all the good PR he'll spread around about the DR. when he gets home
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There is no autogate at POP ----- Yet !!
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Every country has the right to determine who can stay and for how long. Why do foreigners think they can question why? Because this is a country who decides. Do you think you can get on a plane and visit USA for as long as you decide to? Can Dominicans just go visit and stay as long as they like? Hell no. So why do you continue questioning why the government here does so???
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@planner Excellent point Planner, as a retired Navy man I always respected the laws and cultures of the many countries I've visited. I recently moved to Puerto Plata province in a little town called Montellano. Whenever someone mentions the "third world issues" in the Dominican Republic I always respond "Americans are quick to say if you don't like it here go back to where you came from. I've found a "Peace" I never felt in all the various places I lived in America and visited abroad. Let Dominicans run their country their way. Love it or leave.

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And it's ok not to love absolutely every little thing.  Respect the country and the people.

Back to the topic at hand!
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@planner forgive me,  I so agree with you and Mr Mc…. Sorry I could not get back to the topic at hand.

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I had the topic changed to be more "inclusive"  of the  related discussions!  We are all good.
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Auto gate is great - fast and easy. They are redoing terminal B for migrations line so maybe more changes coming? If you overstay does it not let you thru the auto gate?
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I could start a new thread but it seems my questions falls into the latter majority of this thread so here it is - I've never heard of Auto gate - what is this and where cna I find/read more about it? Thanks..
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Hoy article today highlighting different treatment of Haitians and other including 'white' foreigners:

They say in the DR it is "much more difficult" for Haitians to join a criminal network


The sociologist and anthropologist, Tahira Vargas , considered that in the Dominican Republic it is "Much more difficult" for the Haitian population to link to criminal networks than for citizens of other nations who are in the country due to the situation of "Persecution" and "Repression" they live,

In an interview granted to the Hoy Newspaper , with journalist Julio Vargas , the specialist considered that Haitians come to the country and dedicate themselves to activities that require the most effort and the least pay.

"They are the victims of all the labor exploitation that exists in the country, exploitation in all forms, and it is much more difficult for a Haitian to join a criminal network than for a foreigner," she said.

According to Vargas, this is due to "Racism, the system of repression that the National Police, the General Directorate of Migration and the whole world have against the Haitian population" in addition to the fear of deportation that the nationals of the neighboring country have; which does not happen with «The white foreigners».

"There is a foreign population, there is a lot of foreign population from other countries that just because they are white, because this is a highly racist country, they have permission to do many things," she added.

He indicated that there are foreigners in the country who are the ones who organize human trafficking networks and participate in them, as well as sexual exploitation and "Nothing happens" because they pay the fees they have to pay. “Nobody is going after them or seeing them as suspicious,” she added.

Vargas added that the culture of treating tourists well has been promoted in the country and that they have permission for “Many things”, including the way they dress, which is stricter for nationals than for visitors, culturally and socially speaking.
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Well that sounds about right to me Lennox. I would not disagree with the person interviewed.


@2vp  - I dont know what it is either honey!  Someone will fill us in I hope.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automated … rol_system


Picture of the auto gates in DR


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@2VPsoldier



It uses passport scan and then facial recogntion - two swing doors right after each other. Although I am not sure if all countries are able to use it to exit.
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@2VPsoldier



It uses passport scan and then facial recogntion - two swing doors right after each other. Although I am not sure if all countries are able to use it to exit.
- @DRVisitor

The one in Punta Cana its only for foreigns  they can use it coming in, not sure if also going out of the country,  I remember saw a video that there are 7 countries that can use it  and are include USA and Canada.


The autogate in Santo Domingo and Santiago is only for Dominican passport and can be use in and out the country.




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@2VPsoldier



It uses passport scan and then facial recogntion - two swing doors right after each other. Although I am not sure if all countries are able to use it to exit.
- @DRVisitor

The one in Punta Cana its only for foreigns  they can use it coming in, not sure if also going out of the country,  I remember saw a video that there are 7 countries that can use it  and are include USA and Canada.


The autogate in Santo Domingo and Santiago is only for Dominican passport and can be use in and out the country.




- @Riva31

I've only seen the gates available to use in PUJ for exiting the country. Source. They do not yet have them for entry into the DR at PUJ. You must have a biometric passport (from one of several countries to be able to use it). I don't think Dominican passports are currently biometric, although I recall reading that they do intend to introduce them once they issue all of their current stock of passport booklets.
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Sounds very similar to NEXUS, but worth looking into. Thanks to all....
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@2VPsoldier



It uses passport scan and then facial recogntion - two swing doors right after each other. Although I am not sure if all countries are able to use it to exit.
- @DRVisitor

The one in Punta Cana its only for foreigns  they can use it coming in, not sure if also going out of the country,  I remember saw a video that there are 7 countries that can use it  and are include USA and Canada.


The autogate in Santo Domingo and Santiago is only for Dominican passport and can be use in and out the country.




- @Riva31

I've only seen the gates available to use in PUJ for exiting the country. Source. They do not yet have them for entry into the DR at PUJ. You must have a biometric passport (from one of several countries to be able to use it). I don't think Dominican passports are currently biometric, although I recall reading that they do intend to introduce them once they issue all of their current stock of passport booklets.
- @AlaPlaya

Thats correct, our passport is not Biometric, when the books in stock finish they intend to make the change to Biometric.
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Yes I knows JFK in NY does it as well…. You have to go down to  and pre-register and I thinking it's good for a year
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Yes I knows JFK in NY does it as well…. You have to go down to  and pre-register and I thinking it's good for a year
- @Tippj

A friend told me that the cost is like 80.00 dollars.
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As an FYI, my most recent request for an extension of my tourist visa was processed and approved within five hours.
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Thanks  for the update!
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I have been issued a 6months Tourist Visa to the DR . I'm from Nigeria in Africa. I'm into real Estate. I Create content video  and help developer sell their houses through videos I make on Instagram . The DR is Really developing with alot of new houses and the prices are relatively cheap. I have alot of client who are going to be interested in buying properties in the DR with the previous experience I had in Sandton Johannesburg and the sales of Luxurious Apartments in Lekki lagos . I wanted to ask if I'm going to have problems with the Authorities as I'm only having a tourist Visa and more so if I can renew the tourist when it elapsed and finally now do they differentiate Haitians From every other black person.
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You cannot legally work in the DR on a tourist visa hd80180. If they find this out they could deport you.
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@pugypugy  …….this is the same way I feel about  the Immigrants in the US  , ( 6 million illegal) having my taxes pay for their medical, schools , housing , welfare… yes I agree let's just round up the expats throw them in jail and wait for the deportation hearings  , the nerve of these people staying past their stay and spending money here ,

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@Guest493583 I am a black American here and my Spanish is not the best yet. When I was going to ride the Teleférico with my husband, I stopped to ask a police officer at the station in Gualey about using the ATM. He interrupted my broken Spanish to ask if I spoke Creole. I told him no, I speak English. I continued the conversation and he asked me at least three more times if I spoke Creole. I told him no and went on. That was the most racism I experienced personally so far but I have heard terrible stories. Please bring your passport with you everywhere, at the very least. Stay safe.

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Welcome to the forums Amanda.   I am sorry you had this experience.  Just another example of the racism here, it's not okay but it is common!
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@2VPsoldier

Hi

In case you still are not sure what autogate it is used when you are trying to leave the country (PUJ, punta cana airport is my only experience).   There are signs telling people from certain countries if they should use that lineup or not.  You enter this line, where one person enters at a time.  The passport is scanned and then you must look into the camera where facial recognition technology is used.  At this time, they check the date you entered the country and they can tell if you overstayed your visa.  I guess they have a database and its only for certain countries because not all of them have been entered into the database.  If you did not overstay, the green light goes on and you continue to your gate to board your plane. Otherwise, the red light goes on, and then you are directed to another lineup, where you pay the fee or fine, for overstaying your visa.  Its 2500 pesos between 31 and 60 days and more $ if  you stayed longer.  The fees are posted there at the counter where you pay this fine.  I once stayed 40 days in total and that is what happened to me.  Everything calm and respectful.1f60a.svg
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