Can't read it? Listen now!
Dominican agricultural employers are grappling with how to regularize their foreign workers, most of whom are Haitian, following the recent implementation of a government-led mass deportation plan. The agricultural industry heavily relies on this labor force, particularly in sectors such as banana, rice, and coffee production, as well as livestock farming.
Osmar Benítez, Executive Director of the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD), emphasized that employers are fully aware of their legal obligation not to hire undocumented workers. However, the challenge remains significant, as certain sectors depend on Haitian labor for as much as 90% of their workforce. These industries are now facing operational difficulties due to the ongoing repatriations ordered by the administration of President Luis Abinader.
While Benítez acknowledged the necessity of upholding immigration laws, he called on the government to consider temporary solutions that would allow Haitian workers to continue their employment in the Dominican Republic without the constant threat of deportation. One such solution he proposed is the issuance of temporary identification cards for workers awaiting proper documentation.
The difficulty in legalizing Haitian workers stems from challenges within Haiti’s own governmental institutions. According to Benítez, the instability of the Haitian government makes it hard for Haitian workers to obtain the passports required for legal residency in the Dominican Republic, further complicating the situation.
Beyond the legal hurdles, Benítez highlighted the need to address a deeper issue: attracting Dominican nationals to work in agriculture. The sector requires both general labor and more specialized skills, such as operating advanced technology, including drones used for crop spraying. The industry’s future sustainability may depend on modernizing its workforce and appealing to Dominican citizens who have so far shown little interest in this type of work.
To explore solutions, Benítez has held discussions with the Minister of Labor, Luis Miguel De Camps. Together, they are considering new policies to encourage Dominicans to take up jobs in the agricultural sector, a crucial step toward reducing dependency on foreign labor.
This issue underscores the complexities of balancing legal frameworks, labor needs, and the reality of regional migration, particularly as the Dominican Republic seeks to address labor shortages in its vital agricultural industry.
