Haiti confronts one of its most severe migration emergencies as forced deportations surge dramatically, with over 270,000 individuals repatriated throughout 2025. This represents a staggering 36% increase compared to the previous year’s figures, intensifying the nation’s ongoing humanitarian and socio-economic challenges.
According to a comprehensive survey conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Migrant Protection Working Group, the National Migration Office, and the Support Group for Returnees and Refugees, the Dominican Republic accounted for 98% of all deportations (265,215 people). Other significant sources included the Turks and Caicos Islands (2,935), the United States (1,159), the Bahamas (756), and Jamaica (147).
The demographic profile of deportees reveals alarming trends. While adult males continue to constitute the majority at 66%, other groups experienced disproportionate increases. Deportations of adult women skyrocketed by 92%, while girls and boys saw increases of 152% and 133% respectively, compared to a 16% rise for adult men.
Border crossing points witnessed substantial shifts, with Belladère remaining the primary entry point (51% of deportations) followed by Ouanaminthe (27%). Notably, Malpasse recorded a 346% surge in deportations, while Anse-à-Pitres saw a 96% increase.
The survey of 26,853 adult deportees revealed that 99% were born in Haiti, with primary origins in the Southeast, West, Artibonite, Central, and North departments. Economic desperation drove migration decisions, with 85% citing the search for better opportunities as their primary motivation. Alarmingly, 19% were already displaced in camps before leaving Haiti, and 32% reported possessing no identity documents.
Educational and employment patterns varied by deportation origin. Those returned from the Dominican Republic demonstrated lower formal education levels but better employment access abroad, primarily in construction, commerce, and agriculture sectors.
The cyclical nature of migration remains evident, with 60% of 2025 deportees having experienced multiple previous deportations. While only 11% overall planned to leave again within six months, this intention was significantly higher among those deported from the Turks and Caicos Islands (64%) and the United States (59%).
Immediate needs upon arrival highlighted the precarious situation facing returnees: transportation to places of origin (92%), food assistance (72%), and temporary accommodation (27%) emerged as critical priorities.