SANTO DOMINGO - Hiring Haitian labor allows for savings of up to 60% of the budget in stages such as the gray phase, according to the report "Labor Market and Foreign Labor in the Construction Sector in the Dominican Republic ," prepared by the National Institute of Migration of the Dominican Republic (INMRD).
According to the findings of the research led by Marina Ortiz and Rita Mena, one of the most significant benefits of employing Haitian workers is their lower cost compared to Dominicans. “They are cheaper and they will do anything,” noted one of the engineers interviewed in the Bávaro-Punta Cana area, referring to the Haitian worker's willingness and flexibility.
“A Dominican who knows his rights will never work for you…carrying bags of cement, working under the sun, for 1,000 pesos a day. You have to get that into your head, because he knows his rights. That's why the construction company is going to hire undocumented workers, because they spend much less,” revealed another of the testimonies collected in the report.
According to the study, this wage difference is justified by the quality of the work performed, recognizing that Dominican labor tends to deliver better results, thus justifying their higher pay. Even so, Dominicans often decline more physically demanding or lower-paying jobs, especially under adverse conditions such as those found in the early stages of construction.
Another finding of the study is that some engineers claim not to differentiate wages based on the worker's nationality, but rather to adhere to pre-established budgets. In these cases, pay is based on fixed rates per task, such as laying blocks, regardless of who performs it.
Regarding payment methods, significant variability was identified. Haitian helpers can earn between RD$750 and RD$1,200 per day, while more specialized or experienced workers can earn between RD$1,400 and RD$2,000 per day. In certain cases, those with broader responsibilities within the project, such as supervisors or security personnel, can receive up to RD$3,000 per day, as they are hired directly by the company.
The INMRD report provides a detailed overview of the working conditions faced by both Dominicans and Haitians in the construction sector, highlighting not only wage differences, but also hiring dynamics and persistent perceptions regarding the quality and availability of foreign labor.
It's not cheaper
During his participation last June in the program “La Ventana de El Inmobiliario ” , the former president of the Dominican College of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors (Codia), Teodoro Tejada , denied that Haitian labor is cheaper than employing Dominicans.
He commented that there is a misconception about Haitian labor, since —contrary to what many think— “it is not cheaper.”.
He highlighted that, currently, many Haitians work as construction foremen with a high level of experience, a result of the dedication they have put into learning the trade.
“There are great tradespeople who lay floors, install tiles; electricians and plumbers. These Haitians have dedicated themselves and learned a lot, it's true, and they are good people,” he explained.
