Dominica to lift visa restrictions for Haitians

Dominica will be lifting visa restrictions for Haitians effective October 1, 2018.

Minister of Justice, Immigration and National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore, said that Haiti is a full member of CARICOM and the Common Market and “the vision of CARICOM depends heavily on our integrated and unified Caribbean and that vision cannot be realized by the imposition of barriers to travel among member states.”

He stated that CARICOM Heads had decided to allow CARICOM national automatic entry into member states.

“The Heads of Governments in 2007 decided that all CARICOM nationals should be allowed automatic entry in a push to enhance the sense of belonging and community, entry would be denied if citizens were deemed undesirable, a security threat and if they were likely to cause a burden on the public purse,” he stated.

Blackmoore said Haitians living in Dominica have successfully integrated themselves into the Dominican society.

“Many Haitian citizens have obtained citizenship of the Commonwealth of Dominica and have integrated and become a vital part of the agricultural, the construction industry, the private security and the sewing industry,” he stated. “That can be seen as proof of their ability to assimilate into the Dominican culture, maintain homes and families and a decent standard of living.”

He said many Haitian nationals remained after the devastation by Hurricane Maria last September.

“During and after the devastation of Hurricane Maria many Haitians stayed back to contribute to the reconstruction of Dominica,” Blackmoore said.

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74 Comments

  1. Fabienne Joseph
    December 7, 2018

    Can someone please tell me the process to travel from Haiti to Dominica. I’m in the US and trying to help my cousin go to Dominica.Thanks in advance :-D

  2. Fabienne Joseph
    December 7, 2018

    Can someone please tell me the process to travel from Haiti to Dominica. I’m in the US and trying to help my cousin go over to Dominica. Thanks in advance :-D

  3. James Jean Louis
    October 1, 2018

    Well I have seen and read a lot of the comments that was said about Haitian, I am a Haitian and I understand how people in dominica feel but we just want to provide for are love one and make something good out of life because im thinking about coming to dominica with good intentions Im just hoping the people of dominica don’t turn they’re hearts on u.s , I have a friend that actually runs on the Dominica track team so I’m so excited to go out there hope to see what to do where to go so please let’s us have a understand and a good heart to not judge before you actually know some one Thanks you

  4. john doe
    September 14, 2018

    U mean to tell me that is the type of …… people we attracting why not the Spanish I rather the Spanish with the Spanish they make the money turn but the …….. Haitians take back all to Haiti we want those type because we already don’t have much in our country.

    • Don
      August 24, 2019

      You do know their talking about Dominica and not Dominican Republic right?

    • Don
      August 24, 2019

      You do know they’re talking about Dominica and not Dominican Republic right?

  5. Mindingmycountrybusiness
    September 6, 2018

    But no other country not lifting Visa restrictions for us Dominicans to become a part of them, is only Dominica I hearing just lifting Visa restrictions for Dick, Tom and Harry. That Government is so corrupt that it will do anything to steal election, technically bringing in Haitians….you think they stupid? But we smarter. Why now? As election talk is in the air. Hmmmmm.

  6. health should be good
    September 6, 2018

    I am not against them coming , what I am concerned about is the health status of these people.
    a MEDICAL CHECK should be required. HIV , T.B HEPATITIS .
    NOTHING WILL KILL AN ECONOMY FASTER THAT SICK PEOPLE.

  7. September 5, 2018

    We don’t worry if some people hate haitien we coming to work when we finish work we going home you hate more love for you every country you going you must see that some love some hate
    My name is macletdorcely I was go at goodwill secondary school I have for years and six months in Dominican Dominica thank you if you love haitien god blese you

    • Me
      September 6, 2018

      Obviously they did not teach you our lanuage too well. It is atrocious.

  8. Concerened
    September 5, 2018

    Screen them good. I know one Haitian currently living in Dominica who was deported from the US for being a habitual criminal. This man left Haiti as a baby and did nothing in the US but sell drugs and was in and out of jail until he was deported back to Haiti some years ago. He is currently residing in Dominica because he had a DA woman in the US. What does he have to offer? Nothing but teach the youth how to play the drug game. That’s all he knows how to do. I have no problem with Haitians coming in but please let’s get the good ones.

  9. The Calabash
    September 5, 2018

    They are ‘our people’ in many respects, and we need people to replace the many who leave and to sustain an economy…..perhaps 20K of immigrants are needed. All we should want of immigrants is what we asked for ourselves when we migrate….People who are honest, hard working and aspirational.

  10. Liz M
    September 5, 2018

    I love my Haitian People and I think CARICOM should implement the Csme so that we can somehow consolidate economies, educational opportunities, speak and negotiate with one voice internationally. However, we can be caught between a rock and a hard place given the size of Haiti’s population 10 million, and level of poverty. I wonder what would happen when we throw in the DR – Dominican Republic with 11 million and level of poverty. It may end up being a good thing but looking at the EU and migration issues it makes one wonder. Any thoughts?

    • Jheri Curl
      September 6, 2018

      You not too bright nah
      Those people going to overrun our beautiful island
      Like they’re doing elsewhere
      Then they’re bringing their bad manners, poverty & litter with them

      • Liz M
        September 6, 2018

        Donald is that you Trump? It can be managed if these politicians take it seriously. The governments can’t play like they are chads in a voting machine, it will bite them and us real hard in the end.

  11. edmund Francis
    September 5, 2018

    Is there a limit? , if yes what is it?

    I really want to know ..All the people shouting labahh when the rain falls it will fall on your houses as well and Maria was one shower of that rain.Just to hold on to power SMH!!

    And as for that crazy law they want to pass to allow none tax contributing people of all nationalities to vote just so that a man can hold on to power!!

    That PM must be really scared of the real picture if he is dethroned!

  12. yes i
    September 5, 2018

    So, check that nuh. Where are these Haitians going to live? So many of them are already here in poor living conditions , before AND after Maria. Maybe they will occupy the empty apartments in Possie?

  13. Joseph John
    September 5, 2018

    So Dominica should not recognize regional or international agreements. As far as I know we have signed international, reginal and bilateral conventions. The norm is that they are observed and given the same compliance as domestic national laws. This compliance with CARICOM convention should not be an issue for bragging rights or accusations for gaining political points. But some political parties with nothing to offer will always go blaa blaa blaa to highlight their ignorance of the elements of governance or diplomatic affairs.

  14. viewsexpressed
    September 5, 2018

    Haiti is a failed country just like Domininca. Haiti failure has been on going now for almost 50 years, Dominica`s corruption and failed state on going now for over 18 years.
    Haiti`s Papa Doc and Baby Doc have screened and robbed Haiti of its finances and resources and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle in the State own Palace where the Presidents` reside.
    Haitians has been running from the home country for years now, juts like Dominicans has, and therefore reduced the population. The two mot poorest countries in Caribbean and the worst leaders (Presidents and current Prime Minister) the Caribbean has seen. They have both failed us big time and one of the reason is that two immature worthless young boys were put in office as Pageant beauties with weird deceptive smiles and the energy to fool our people with so called nice things and hand out money. These two countries do not produced anything for foreign reserves but feed themselves and corrupt both states with close loyal friends…

    • Joseph John
      September 5, 2018

      And your point is………are you saying that we should hate poor black people ? Haitian problem is that less than half of 1% are cotroling the wealth of the country. The same scenario existed in Cuba before Castro.

  15. bakes
    September 5, 2018

    How many of you posting on here are working in someone else’s country? i hope they say the same about you. Many people have ran from Dominica after Maria we need people to build the country. You idiots

  16. Tray
    September 5, 2018

    Good move for Haitians and Dominicans

  17. NotDotish
    September 4, 2018

    What is even more disgusting about this whole visa restrictions is that Haiti is a member of CARICOM and the Treaty of Chaguaramas speaks to non-discrimination and equal treatment. It means Dominica (and all other countries) were abusing our fellow Caricom citizens for the sake of material gain. shameful.

  18. NotDotish
    September 4, 2018

    After all that Haitians have done for Dominica, contributed to the economy by opening businesses, Seamstress, tailors, barbers, security businesses, farmers, bus drivers/ owners, restaurant owners, mechanics, masons, carpenters. Creating jobs and stimulating economic activity, it had to take Barbados, where there are as few Haitians that you can count on one hand to lead by removing visa restrictions on Haitians since in July. SMH…

  19. Nurse
    September 4, 2018

    That is to get the haitians to have rights to vote.

    • Jheri Curl
      September 6, 2018

      Why those Haitians have DOMINICAN citizenship
      I bet Dominicans aren’t moving to Haiti
      There’s a reason why that place is the way it is
      They’re blighted by the Lord for their evil
      Their Government is more corrupt than any other

      • I am not afraid
        September 6, 2018

        Jheri curl i believe you have no ideas of what you saying.
        First of all.your comment sounds very stupid and low class.
        Secondly i think you should and educate yourself more about History. You maybe see the lil bit of tourist visiting Dominica but Haiti is large Country.
        You claim saying that Dominican have never been to Haiti , you are wrong because you have never read news you under taking and words from people lips .
        Haitian travel the whole world as much as Dominica.

        Your comment only tells me you have never seen the inside of a plane. Cause if you had i dont think you have made that selfish comment in the public.

  20. SMH
    September 4, 2018

    Good move. Its sad to read some of these comments in here when most of us in Dominica can identify one family member, or friend who have left and made their homes in another country sometimes without permits in that country. Dominica’s population has been stagnant at 70,000 for how long, young people are not procreating as their parents were. They are in pursuit of higher degrees usually overseas and they do not return. Hurricane Maria saw an exodus of quite a few Dominicans and they will not come back. So I welcome the Hatains. They are an industrious set of people. Unfortunately we are prejudice towards them, I hope we are one day able to change this mindset.

  21. Ny Dawg
    September 4, 2018

    Man am reading somuch …. frm some ppl soon ya’ll will die frm politics Cancer holy moly do u all has any idea how many Dominicans leaving in another man country what if they decide to ship them bck,the US had clamp DA style on getting Visa in Barbadose at one point and u ppl cry somuch now ya’ll add politics to freeing up …. on them ppl like ur selves damn basterds

  22. September 4, 2018

    Forks our population is shrinking 70 thousand not evening enough people to filled a stadium in big develop countries I believe the government trying to make it much easier for Haitians to come in to Dominica raise the population in Dominica.I hope those already here working legally are contributing to the economy of Dominica,I hope the government is taking track of that,That will make Dominica great,The reason why other islands are more develop than Dominica their population is high so they have more people to contribute to their economy,The population is low so not enough people in Dominica to sustain the economy in Dominica .

    • Hello
      September 6, 2018

      They are contributing more and more than us so called Dominicans.
      Firstly
      up arrival at the airport whethere baby or not they have give US$ 400.00 each
      Secondly.
      When it comes to work permit some Dominicans would ask them so much just to give them a letter.
      Thirdly.
      When they work they make sure they pay their rents on time
      Shopping is not to talk( by bulk)
      So whatelese do you want them to do. If the Government dont do what they supose to do with thatUS$400.00 each persone that enter the country. I am very sorry.

      Before y’all there blasting on the people go thick twice . They are hard working people . With the ignorants comments i am readiing there . How many of calculate for ex. In one year which is 12 months if there were 5000 Haitian entered the Country multiply it by the US$400.00 tell me how much money the country has recieved in the treasury.
      Learn to respect people my fellow Dominicans.
      Focus on the behavior and so many accident instead of focussing on…

  23. Logo
    September 4, 2018

    Hein beh dominic ou fini bat

  24. My Daily Bread
    September 4, 2018

    I have no problem with Haitians because generally speaking they are good people that believe in hard work to eat their daily bread. The problem I have is with our corrupt and dishonest government that will go all out to bring down people to vote, no matter where they from. It reminds me of what Skerrit himself referred to as racketeering, but did nothing to fix it. By the way that racketeering took place in the Labour department, where he has his own village boy running it for him and, the racketeering had to do with Haitians. So I just feel it’s a political thing.

  25. ?Me?
    September 4, 2018

    All you dehumanizing the Haitians for building all you country right? Most of all you that talking about the Haitians as leapers are overseas pulling the devils tail to send barrels to your lazy sisters, mothers, and bozo brothers. The same way you view the Haitians you are being viewed the same way especially in Antigua and St. Lucia. They are our brothers and sisters. Most Dominicans are TOO lazy to plant, do household work, or be handyman, if it wasn’t for them we would not have a market Saturday, even though they vollure I don’t buy from them.

  26. TT
    September 4, 2018

    Long overdue caricom should have implemented that long ago, USA and Europe have free movement years ago and it working, pick your country of choice to settle or visit.

  27. Integration
    September 4, 2018

    I am a big supporter of the United workers party, but I must big up Blackmore on that move, its time we respect each other as black people and as caricom nationals, Haitions play a positive role in the dominican economy, without them roseau market would be empty…Good move Blackmore, every human being have a right to live and eat bread….

  28. Nana
    September 4, 2018

    Desperate move by Skerrit–the opposition forces must be winning so they are pulling out all the tricks in the bag……we shall prevail Skerrit and Blackmoore——Question : why would Skerrit want another term in office????

  29. Sisserou
    September 4, 2018

    400 us dollars for each Haitian coming in. Its something like the CBI. :mrgreen:

  30. AA
    September 4, 2018

    Dont you have to be Dominican to vore in national elections? How do foreigners obtain residency and citizenship?

  31. Paul
    September 4, 2018

    Skerite using all kind of dirty tricks to get peogle to vote for him in the coming election. .. right now he behind haitians because he see dominicans fedup with his coshony….. that man is a complete failure … so he have cib people ..he have Haitian. ..Spanish all kind of nation so he can voleh the election again to stay in power. . With all that we doeno how much peopel that in Dominica. ..we doeno how much can vote. ..that man is a sick man

  32. Ou fou compere
    September 4, 2018

    DOMIT WILL BE OUR BREXIT

  33. Ou fou compere
    September 4, 2018

    Looking forward for a DOMIT by 2023 then? hahahahaah we are no long sensible in more ways than one. I agree with many a point raised above . As a current Black power advocate like Bob Denis the Delices Trinny some where in the diaspora We have to organize black folk but with all the opportunism going on it is clear Rayburn sunglasses will obviously work hard to secure a few extra votes as many a diasporan Dumb in a can
    have long given up on the politics of free tickets to come vote enjoy the festivals and return only to see their homeland slowly becoming dirt poor. The Haitian bros and sisters with their experience of Huxley/hardtimes can teach us Dumbs in cans a few things about survival under a dictatorgoat.

  34. Rivers Williams
    September 4, 2018

    Since Dominicans have a problem with Haitians then Antigua ,Guadeloupe, St Lucia and Martinique should send home Dominicans . Dominiches flood every other ian and still want to fight for the rock.

    • God Helps Those who Helps Themselves
      September 5, 2018

      Rivers Williams. Well said, I totally agree.

  35. REAL!!!!!
    September 4, 2018

    So your economy is crashing and you are removing visa restriction to Haiti the poorest country in the west hemisphere for its people to come to our shores…SMH

    1. Failing economy, poor healthcare and high unemployment. You open the flood gates to poor Haitian who can only take away from DA failing economy instead of adding as they are financially challenge.

    2. Are the Haitians the flock of new voters to help keep Skerrit in power??

    3. This country cannot takecare of it own after Maria and it makes DA a refuge location for Haiti.

    Note: I have nothing against the Haitian but my question is when will this GOVT look out for Dominicans FIRST.

    • Love
      September 5, 2018

      You can say what you want with your mouth.have you ever go to Haiti?you treating them poorest contry. you said you have nothing against Haitian.all you lazy and selfish.

  36. Patriotic Dominica
    September 4, 2018

    The Haitians played their part in cleaning Dominica after Hurricane Maria. They did not run away. Kudos to them. A Victory well worn

    • REAL!!!!
      September 4, 2018

      “Patriotic Dominica”….Haiti has 11million people and 80% of the population is living in poverty.

      You maybe right but the flip side is there is nothing for them to run back to in Haiti.

      Therefore this has nothing to do with their commitment to Dominica.

  37. Em
    September 4, 2018

    Yeah they need Haitian votes to stay in power by any means necessary!!

    • Pragmatik
      September 4, 2018

      It’s called expanding the electorate :lol:

  38. nat
    September 4, 2018

    “During and after the devastation of Hurricane Maria many Haitians stayed back to contribute to the reconstruction of Dominica,” Blackmoore said. This is true. How many of them were paid?

    But many Haitian nationals were looting around Roseau like what!

  39. DC
    September 4, 2018

    Wonderful! I am elated. We shall now work towards the legalization of the plant marijuana. One Love !

  40. Haha
    September 4, 2018

    That’s how you import votes

  41. !!
    September 4, 2018

    This is not a good move at all!! I Hope that customs will be more strict in their duties because I can tell you that getting into countries like St. Kitts, Barbados and St. Lucia just to name a few, persons are being screened critically upon entry. If we open our ports as a free port then we are going to be in so much trouble.

    • Badbaje
      September 4, 2018

      Hello !! You said “Hope that customs will be more strict in their duties because I can tell you that getting into countries like St. Kitts, Barbados and St. Lucia just to name a few, persons are being screened critically upon entry”
      customs does not control movement of the people and their entry to islands other than that of their birth. It is the IMMIGRATION that controls that.

  42. September 4, 2018

    Watch I Watching, I respectfully disagree with you. Your statement sounds so unchristian. We are our brothers and sisters keepers. We need to learn to get along. Let us open our hearts and homes to others for we know not when it may be us. I am not saying to allow antisocial persons or undesirables to come in, but if persons are decant, law abiding people and they are coming to try and carve out a better life, let them. Many of us have relatives who have migrated to other countries around the world and they are sending back remittance that is making our lives more livable, so live and let live. We are all God’s children; it is amazing how some of us go to church and sing When We All Get to Heaven, but don’t want some brothers and sisters near us on earth. When you get a change go on YouTube and listen to Daddy Chess song, a part of it says Leave Selfishness out in the Cold and let Unity unfold. Have a heart.

  43. SN
    September 4, 2018

    Why did it take this long to remove such visa restriction when the CARICOM,, to which Dominica belongs, took a decision to allow their free movement within CARICOM? This should have been done a long time ago. However, is this another way of this government looking to get a new group of voters for the upcoming election?

  44. LifeandDeath
    September 4, 2018

    btw, I’m very sorry Kings did not live to see this come to pass..one love ma Haitian ppl.

  45. LifeandDeath
    September 4, 2018

    Now to my point, I love the Haitian ppl like every other black nation on this earth..I have good Haitian friends, like brothers.
    But before the government open the flood gates, at least there should be safeguards to protect the local Dominicans.
    The immigration system needs capacity to manage the roll call that will arrive, and of course the issue of food cultivation needs some administrative attention. Are Haitians entitled or allowed to simply come in and set up shop?
    How long will the Haitians be allowed to stay at any given time?..How long before residency?..what will be the implications for Locals and the economy..Nothing against the Haitians, but this integration needs great thought and management.

    • God Helps Those who Helps Themselves
      September 5, 2018

      LifeandDeath. I guess we could ask the same questions about Dominicans who migrate to the other islands. So many Dominicans have fled from Dominica, the population is so low yet allu complaining about our Haitian brothers and sisters coming to settle here. Maybe if they did not look like us, but looked like those who allu worship there would be no complaints. Bon Dieu parka dormir.

  46. NKRUMAH KWAME
    September 4, 2018

    should never have been instituted in the first place. What are we going to do with all the $400.00 collected from those who came before this announcement?

  47. Huh
    September 4, 2018

    Nah man….well nous fini bat because by the time Skerrit calls election, there will be more Haitians than Dominicans.

    Yes, I agree to helping our neighbors but alas, prayers.

    • Concerned citizen
      September 4, 2018

      Oh, I do agree. It’s a scheme.

  48. my little take
    September 4, 2018

    Mahaut has a lot of Haitian votes and therefore Blackmoore and Skerrit are after them since they realize they will be out of favor with a lot of the Dominican voter both locally and in the diaspora. So with that move expect Haitians that are not qualified to vote to use the name of a dead person to vote. Desperate men doing desperate things and that’s just what it is

  49. September 4, 2018

    Hon. Minister i believe this is an error….the same way Guadeloupe and Martinique allows Dominicans to stay the French islands for 15 days without a visa, that is the same way Dominica should have done with the Haitians… just my opinion….

  50. Africo
    September 4, 2018

    This is a good move because the Haitian community contributes to Dominica on many levels. This is particularly true in agriculture. Haitian farmers and agricultural workers are keeping agriculture in Dominica alive whereas many Dominicans have given up farming and statistics show that the average age of a Dominican farmer is now 65 years old.

    Haitian women are by far the majority of female farmers in Dominica. Haitians are law-abiding and as Dominicans emigrate, Haitians help to keep many of our services and fresh food supply markets going. Come on, do not be prejudiced against your own brothers and sisters of African descent..!

  51. Watch I Watching
    September 4, 2018

    I will not support that move at all. Soon we will have a influx of haitians in Dominica. Soon not even ground provision, or veges are good for consumption, as long as you buy it from a Haitian.

    • Stealth Critique
      September 4, 2018

      People like you are showing your inherent racism.

      • Pragmatik
        September 4, 2018

        You mean xenophobia?

  52. Watch I Watching
    September 4, 2018

    trust me, this is

  53. smdh
    September 4, 2018

    CARICOM or not, this is a big mistake.

    • LifeandDeath
      September 4, 2018

      Where was CARICOM when Ross left so many Dominicans without their livelihoods?

      This is not to say that Ross didn’t have to do what they did, hat’s not the point i’m making. But if CARICOM is too “diplomatic” to talk on such issues? What gives them the right to dictate what policies are implemented? These Supranational entities sometimes pass their place.

      • You auntie brother
        September 4, 2018

        Ross stayed in Caricom, not so?

    • my homeland in chaos
      September 4, 2018

      That is CARIGO Soon if DA peeps make yet another blunder and vote the Blues or those dark reds NEO DLP we will surely get the Blues. For now we need a gov of national salvation like post david. This BS ain’t gonna cut it blues nor reds. Man have we declined since Mamo et Al as much as I disliked em. But these present day group of SHs make the backwardness of the 80’s look like the best thing since slice bread. Yesterday we got the medicine man a bus load of ignorance as Party leader replace by an English born who butchered the English language See who is the current Leader. saw a clip of him dancing he would make a Robot look great another ignoramus even Al Gore is more loose,
      Boy heaven help us. My greatest fear is I have many friends who support both sides of the mess. My wife just reminded me its 3 sides lol hahahahahahhaha.She did not have to tickle me.

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