Ernesto Jiménez warns about migratory impact and economic challenges in the Dominican Republic
In a deep and direct analysis, economist Ernesto Jiménez has described uncontrolled Haitian migration as the most pressing geopolitical and security challenge for the Dominican Republic. During his speech, Jiménez described the current situation as an “existential drama” that puts the sovereignty, financial stability, and well-being of Dominican citizens at risk.
Economic burden on the educational system
One of the most critical points exposed by the specialist is the budgetary impact that care for the migrant population represents for the Dominican State. With more than 200,000 Haitian children integrated into the public education system, the country allocates resources that, according to Jiménez, should prioritize the needs of the local population.
How much money does the Dominican people have to take out, a people with high levels of poverty and who do not have enough money to guarantee the rights established by the constitution for their own people? We are talking about more than 6.15 billion pesos a year.
Ernesto Jiménez
Impact on the labor market and construction sector
The analysis also delved into the distortion of the labor market. It is estimated that nearly 290,000 Haitian workers are employed in the construction sector. This massive presence of labor, willing to accept reduced wages, creates downward pressure on the real wages of Dominican workers.
- Wage depression: The supply of low-cost labor disincentivizes the improvement of wage conditions for local workers.
- Displacement: The business sector, by having low-cost workers, avoids technification and the increase of decent wages.
The tourism sector and national identity
Jiménez highlighted that the tourism industry, a pillar of the Dominican economy, is also facing significant changes. The hiring of migrant personnel in hotels, often under informal conditions, threatens to displace Dominican youth. The economist emphasized that the differential value of local tourism is the warmth and joy characteristic of Dominicans, an asset he considers at risk due to the substitution of job positions.
Future demographic projections
The economist concluded his speech by raising an alert regarding the long-term population composition. Based on current birth rates—where the Haitian woman averages 3.3 children compared to 2.06 for the Dominican woman—Jiménez warns of a trend that, if maintained, would drastically alter the national demographics by the year 2075.
