For several months, the population of the border town of Anse-à-Pitre in Haiti (South Dept.) in front of "Pedernales", has difficulties obtaining visas for the Dominican Republic.

The population of Anse-à-Pitre accuses the new Consul Bocio Fortuna https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-28137-haiti-gold-cup-2019-haiti-eliminated-in-semi-final-by-mexico-[0-1]-on-a-questionable-penalty.html to be responsible for this situation of scarcity of VISAS.

Last week, exasperated visa seekers demonstrated in front of the Consulate forcing the consul's son to take refuge in the diplomatic mission while waiting for the intervention and protection of the National Police of Haiti (PNH). Demonstrators demanding the Dominican Consulate, more visas each month.

The Mayor of Anse-à-Pitre, Harry Bruno confirms that there are more applicants than Dominican visa available, which creates each time of tension when the quota of the month is reached. Mayor Bruno explains that as long as the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a lower number of visas than the demand, this situation will be repeated and calls on the population to respect and understand the Dominican Consulate ..

Note that this situation is not specific to Anse-à-Pitre and has nothing to do with the Consul Bocio Fortuna. This is a decision of the Dominican Chancellery which decided [of right], and in all discretion, to limit the number of Haitian visa issuance that to set a monthly quota.

Recall that Pétion-ville situation is not much better with only 3,000 Haitian visas issued each month https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-28513-haiti-flash-no-more-longer-dominican-visa-issued-for-the-month-of-august.html what does not fail to frustrate the very numerous applicants who seek at all costs to obtain this precious document for multiple reasons : pursuit of studies, work, trade, health or transit through the neighboring Republic for another destination to a "better" life and whose frustration, often requires the intervention of the PNH, to avoid violent slippage and clear access to the Dominican Consulate.

Restrictions that push some Haitians to consider smuggling into the neighboring Republic, despite the risks and increased surveillance along the Dominican border

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-28513-haiti-flash-no-more-longer-dominican-visa-issued-for-the-month-of-august.html

SL/ HaitiLibre