Dominican Bill Targets Haitian University Graduates, Forcing Go Back to Haiti After School

The Graduating Class in Haiti - Ecole de Droit et des Sciences Economiques de Hinche

This bill, if passed, would require all Haitian students, whether studying on Dominican government scholarships, international aid, or even with their own money, to sign a formal document before graduating, agreeing to return to Haiti and work there for at least four years.

Yes, you read that right. Even if you pay for your education out of your own pocket, the Dominican government wants to make it law that you must leave once you get your diploma.

It doesn't stop there.

According to Article 16 of the proposed law, this rule applies regardless of whether the student has legal immigration status. Haitian students would still be forced to sign this agreement before completing their studies.

If a student refuses to return to Haiti after graduation, they would face immediate deportation, a permanent ban from reentering the Dominican Republic, and, in the case of government-funded scholarships, the authorities would begin the process of demanding full repayment.

The bill also proposes that the personal data of Haitian scholarship recipients be shared with Haitian authorities and member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS) to ensure the law is enforced internationally.

Supporters say the law is meant to help Haiti by ensuring that the country benefits from the education and skills gained abroad, especially in areas where Haiti has serious shortages like health care, construction, and engineering.

But for many, this feels more like a new strategy to push Haitians out, no matter their legal status, their contribution to society, or how hard they worked to get an education.

According to reports, the Dominican Republic's Permanent Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, chaired by Congressman Ignacio Aracena, is currently reviewing a proposal from Congressman Elías Wessin Chávez of the Quisqueyan Christian Democratic Party, co-signed by 12 other lawmakers from all political parties.

We'll keep following this story. The impact on young Haitians living in the Dominican Republic could be huge if this bill becomes law.

Read more: Haitians in the Dominican Republic, Haiti News Updates, Community Service

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