INTEGRATED BORDER GOVERNANCE

The Republic of Haiti shares a 392-kilometer-long border with the Dominican Republic. The significant socio-economic differences between the two countries encourage the migration of large numbers of Haitians each year, the majority of whom taking irregular routes. 

The border between the two countries is affected by human trafficking and other illicit activities, such as arms smuggling. At the end of 2022, an increase in the number of repatriations from the Dominican Republic also exacerbated the humanitarian situation at the border, where IOM regularly assists returning migrants, including minors and pregnant women.  

In order to better manage these cross-border issues, IOM supports the Government of Haiti in developing and implementing migration policies that align with the country's broader development objectives.  IOM provides support to State actors concerned, such as the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration (DIE), Customs, and POLIFRONT, the Haitian Border Police, by providing training, rehabilitation of POLIFRONT bases along the border, equipment and by supporting a coordinated approach, also including Dominican counterparts.  

In addition, the work of IOM at the border is carried out in close collaboration with the civil authorities, in particular the representatives of the municipalities located near the border who are part of the local dialogue tables, and Civil Society.