Business voices continue to join the call to find a solution to the migration issue, taking into account the necessary Haitian labor force in the Dominican Republic.
SANTO DOMINGO.-TheDominican Association of Housing Builders and Developers (Acoprovi) yesterday formulated several proposals to address the labor shortage caused by the government's mass deportation program of undocumented Haitians, which is impacting some of the country's productive sectors that are beginning to feel the effects.
According to data from the Statistics Department of the General Directorate of Migration (DGM), 119,003 Haitian citizens were processed and returned to the neighboring nation of Haiti, from January 1 to April 30, 2025.
The construction industry association stated in a press release that it has shared its proposals with the Dominican government to address the labor shortage and prevent impacts such as construction delays and increased housing costs.
Proposals
Acoprovi suggests issuingtemporary visas for those jobs not covered by Dominican workers.
It also suggests inclusion in the Social Security Treasury (TSS) to promote formality.
He adds to his recommendations the establishment of temporary consulates at the border and union participation in migration policies.
“Given the current migration situation, Acoprovi reiterates its commitment to the responsible development of the construction sector,” the document states.
Likewise, construction entrepreneurs affiliated with Acoprovi are requesting support to expand ConstruyendoRD, a national technical training initiative in construction.
More business leaders are speaking out
founder of Grupo Puntacana, joined yesterday the pronouncements issued by business leaders representing the national economy, who advocate for a solution to the migration issue.
"Our neighbor's problem is not just one person's problem, it's a problem for the country. And it affects us all. It doesn't matter what political group you belong to or what sector of national life you're in," he said during the "Plan Meta 2036" luncheon, organized by the American Chamber of Commerce (Amchamdr).
According to the Diario Libre publication , the tourism entrepreneur warned that it's not just the construction or agricultural sectors that are affected . He said that even many households that criticize migration employ Haitian workers, and that this migration is also visible in the informal transportation sector.
"Much of the domestic service in private homes, from the same people who criticize it, is Haitian. And the motorcycle taxi drivers... I don't know the exact percentage anymore, but you realize when you stand next to a motorcycle taxi parking lot that a significant percentage are Haitian," he said.
Cover photo: Justo Feliz/El Inmobiliario.
