Dominican Republic to Accept 30 U.S.-Deported Migrants Monthly Under New Agreement

The Dominican Republic has signed a one-year memorandum of understanding with the United States to receive approximately 30 third-country migrants deported from the U.S. each month. Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez announced that this arrangement excludes Haitian nationals and unaccompanied minors. Deportees will remain in the Dominican Republic for seven to 15 days as a temporary transit measure while arrangements are made for their return to their countries of origin. The United States will cover all associated expenses, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will assist local authorities in managing the process. Although specific housing locations have not yet been determined, officials confirmed that deportees will be under constant supervision. Minister Álvarez emphasized that the agreement is non-binding and does not compromise national sovereignty, rejecting allegations of pressure from Washington. He noted that similar accords exist in other Latin American nations, including Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, and Paraguay. The government stressed that this mechanism is strictly for temporary transit and does not involve permanent settlement or legal immigration proceedings within the Dominican Republic.