Business closures have resulted in estimated losses of around 20 million pesos so far, and tensions over rents and employment.
SANTO DOMINGO.- Rosa NG, representative of the Chinese community in the country, attributed the closure of Chinese establishments to the ignorance of the business owners, who allegedly "erected their structures with permission from the municipalities," without taking into account the supervision of the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED), because they did not know that they required authorization from that state agency.
“The owners of the Chinese businesses had the approval of the city councils, and having the approval of the city councils they carried out their constructions and did not expect or know that the Ministry of Housing also authorizes these constructions,” the businesswoman explained in an interview with El Inmobiliario.
He highlighted the use of skilled labor in his buildings: "The MIVHED has decided to intervene because it considers, as the Jet Set collapsed, that there might be an earthquake, etc.".
The leader of the Chinese community in the country explained that the assessments carried out by the institution indicated slight to moderate risks. "That's why I've always told the authorities that they should be allowed to do what they say needs to be done, but that they should be open," she commented.
She indicated that economic losses continue and that of the 11 businesses that closed, only one has been able to reopen. “All those Chinese business owners are paying exorbitant rents; when I say exorbitant, I mean millions of pesos,” Rosa NG stated.
Among the losses, he mentioned that they had to continue paying employees. "Because they didn't think this would last so long, they didn't make the decision to lay off the employees," he added.
In figures, he estimated around 20 million pesos, more or less. "If you calculate rent at around one million pesos, electricity, plus employee salaries.".
Tax evasion
Regarding tax evasion, Rosa NG considered it a malicious campaign. "I believe this whole issue of tax evasion is a malicious campaign being waged against China," she opined, viewing it as a global situation.
“Just as a Chinese person can be within the law, so can others. The problem is that it's a Chinese person doing something wrong, and just because one Chinese person does it doesn't mean everyone does it,” NG explained.
He explained that everyone complies with the fines imposed by strict institutions. “The Chinese who are inspected are fined and have to pay. Here, the institutions are quite strict and strong; in customs, I've seen that the Chinese pay millions and millions of pesos,” he added.
He emphasized that, despite this, the law must be followed. “They need to regularize their situation and get up to date,” he stressed. He also reported that a series of meetings are being held with the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Finance to address these issues.
Employmentmania
The leader commented that, regarding the hiring of foreign labor, in many cases the 80/20 rule has not yet been respected. "Perhaps the 80/20 rule isn't being followed because there's a lot of work in these stores, very heavy lifting, and there aren't enough people willing to do it.".
He also insisted that these businesses should not hire undocumented workers. “Illegals should not be hired, regardless of their nationality.” Furthermore, he considered it a problem for the country's development that, despite posting job advertisements, no one applies.
He stated that it is normal and natural for foreigners to occupy jobs. "That has happened in every country in the world.".
He emphasized that it is false that foreign labor is cheaper. “That’s false; Haitian labor, for less than 1000 or 1500 pesos, nobody works a day.”.
Finally, Rosa NG remarked that many Chinese residents in the country are saddened by the closure of their businesses, and urged her compatriots to continue complying.
