Carib Scope

标签： Dominican Republic

多米尼加共和国

  • U.S. halts citizenship and residency applications for Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and 16 others

    U.S. halts citizenship and residency applications for Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and 16 others

    The Trump administration has implemented a significant suspension of residency permit and citizenship application processing for migrants from 19 countries, marking a substantial escalation in its hardline immigration agenda. This policy specifically targets Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela while encompassing numerous other nations previously subject to travel restrictions.

    The suspension comes amid heightened tensions with Venezuela, following an unprecedented U.S. military deployment to the Caribbean that Washington claims targets drug trafficking operations. Venezuelan authorities contend the military movement represents an attempted overthrow of President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

    Cuba continues to operate under longstanding U.S. embargo restrictions, while Haiti faces severe humanitarian crises exacerbated by widespread gang violence, making the immigration suspension particularly consequential for citizens of these nations.

    According to an official memorandum obtained by AFP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has halted processing of green cards and naturalization applications for individuals from countries already subject to expanded travel restrictions implemented in June. The comprehensive list includes Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Laos, Libya, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Yemen alongside the three Latin American nations.

    The policy shift follows the fatal shooting of two National Guard members near the White House, with the suspect identified as an Afghan national who entered during the 2021 mass evacuations. Senior administration officials have cited this incident to justify enhanced vetting procedures, emphasizing USCIS’s critical role in preventing potential terrorists from entering the country.

    The memorandum explicitly states that national security considerations must take precedence in all screening and adjudication processes, warning that inadequate vetting could endanger American citizens. This position aligns with President Trump’s campaign promise to implement mass deportations and his November 26 declaration to ‘permanently pause immigration from all Third World countries’ to allow systemic recovery.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has concurrently advocated for expanding the list of restricted countries, utilizing inflammatory rhetoric on social media platforms to justify implementing stricter immigration bans.

  • Santo Domingo joins prestigious Assouline travel book series

    Santo Domingo joins prestigious Assouline travel book series

    NEW YORK – In a significant cultural achievement, the Dominican Republic has secured a position within the world of luxury travel publishing. Tourism Minister David Collado announced on Tuesday that the nation’s capital, Santo Domingo, is now featured in the exclusive Assouline book collection, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s international prestige.

    The official launch event, held in New York City, was presided over by Minister Collado and Alexandre Assouline, president of the eponymous publishing house. The gathering attracted prominent figures from the tourism sector, cultural commentators, and influential voices from the creative industries.

    Founded in Paris in 1994, Assouline has established itself as the definitive publisher of high-end, artisanal coffee-table books. Its collections are synonymous with luxury, chronicling iconic global destinations, legendary fashion brands, and artistic movements. These volumes are treated as collectible art objects, gracing the interiors of five-star hotels, exclusive boutiques, and private libraries worldwide. Inclusion in this curated series signifies a destination’s arrival on the global cultural stage, placing Santo Domingo in the company of the world’s most admired cities.

    Minister Collado articulated that the new volume is a tribute to ‘the essence, history, and elegance of the First City of the Americas,’ thereby highlighting its profound heritage and value as a premier tourist destination. Demonstrating immense anticipation, the book achieved a rare feat by selling out its inventory twice across all Assouline global stores ahead of its formal release—a testament, as Collado noted, to the surging international fascination with Dominican culture, history, and way of life.

    The project was brought to life through the editorial direction of Rossana Rivera, with critical contributions from Patricia Read, Manuel García Arévalo, Manuel García, and Juan Mubarack. Their collaborative efforts encompassed content development, meticulous visual curation, and narrative storytelling. This publication provides Santo Domingo with an unparalleled platform for global promotion, aligning seamlessly with the Ministry of Tourism’s strategic objective to enhance the nation’s profile within elite markets and the most exclusive luxury travel media.

  • U.S. Ambassador reveals Biden administration pressured Dominican Republic to keep Haiti border open

    U.S. Ambassador reveals Biden administration pressured Dominican Republic to keep Haiti border open

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant diplomatic disclosure, U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Leah Campos acknowledged on Tuesday that the Biden administration had applied political pressure to prevent the closure of the Dominican-Haitian border. The revelation came during her address at an American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAMDR) luncheon in the Dominican capital.

    Ambassador Campos clarified that Washington’s position was motivated by escalating security concerns stemming from Haiti’s intensifying crisis. She articulated that the instability in Haiti represents a direct security challenge that transcends borders, potentially affecting both the Dominican Republic and the United States. This geopolitical reality formed the basis for the diplomatic engagement with Dominican authorities.

    The ambassador emphasized her dedicated collaboration with President Luis Abinader and private sector representatives to develop strategic solutions addressing these security threats. ‘My commitment remains firm in partnering with President Abinader and the business community to mitigate this danger and contribute to Haiti’s stabilization,’ Campos stated. ‘Our ultimate objective is achieving a peaceful and secure environment for the Haitian population, which they rightfully deserve.’

    Beyond border security discussions, Ambassador Campos expressed appreciation for President Abinader’s administration regarding its efforts in combating transnational crime. She specifically acknowledged measurable progress in addressing drug trafficking, money laundering operations, and human trafficking networks through enhanced bilateral cooperation in recent years.

  • Nearly a thousand illegal immigrants detained on December 1

    Nearly a thousand illegal immigrants detained on December 1

    SANTO DOMINGO – In a significant nationwide enforcement operation, Dominican authorities detained hundreds of individuals for immigration violations this week. The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) executed coordinated interdiction operations on Monday, December 1, 2025, resulting in the apprehension of 587 persons found to be residing in the country without legal status.

    The operations spanned multiple strategic locations, highlighting a comprehensive approach to border and internal control. Key areas targeted included the northern border regions of Cañongó and Dajabón, the eastern tourist zone of Verón, the southern locality of Felipina de Bahoruco, the southwestern port city of Barahona, and Villa Vásquez in Monte Cristi. Operations were also conducted in Los Ríos, a sector of the capital, Santo Domingo.

    In a demonstration of inter-agency collaboration, the DGM received an additional 407 individuals transferred from separate interdiction initiatives conducted by the nation’s security forces. The Dominican Army referred 233 persons, the National Police transferred 63, and the Specialized Border Security Corps (CESFRONT) contributed 111 referrals.

    Combining both its own operations and the inter-agency transfers, the DGM processed a total of 994 individuals for irregular immigration status. Following official procedures, the vast majority—917 persons—were subsequently deported from the country. The DGM emphasized that these actions are not isolated incidents but rather constitute a routine component of its ongoing national immigration control strategy. This strategy is implemented in tight coordination with various security and border protection agencies across the Dominican Republic to maintain the integrity of the nation’s immigration laws.

  • Dominican Republic showcases gastronomy and culture in France

    Dominican Republic showcases gastronomy and culture in France

    The Dominican Republic achieved remarkable success at the international cultural and commercial exposition ‘Flavors of the World 2025’ in southern France, significantly enhancing its global profile through an immersive showcase of national assets. Under the leadership of Consul General Ana Emilia Báez Santana, the Dominican delegation transformed the event into a strategic platform for presenting the country’s diverse cultural heritage, tourism potential, artistic excellence, and musical traditions while simultaneously forging new economic partnerships.

    The European debut of the Dominican Ballet, directed by cultural manager Héctor Farías, emerged as a spectacular centerpiece with its vibrant performance of traditional Dominican folklore. Attendees numbering over 900 experienced an authentic sensory journey through the republic’s offerings, including traditional culinary specialties, live musical performances, premium tobacco displays, and Ron Barceló rum tastings. The event solidified its status as a premier destination for genuine cultural exchange, with each national pavilion providing unique opportunities for cross-cultural engagement and discovery of global culinary traditions.

    This institutional presence in southern France successfully advanced the Dominican Republic’s strategic objectives of promoting its tourism sector, gastronomic excellence, cultural wealth, and investment opportunities to an international audience, creating valuable pathways for future economic and cultural collaboration.

  • Dominican government activates holiday security plan

    Dominican government activates holiday security plan

    The Dominican government has announced a significant expansion of its annual holiday security initiative, deploying twice as many personnel as last year’s operation. Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful revealed that the enhanced security plan will commence on December 3, 2024, and continue through January 10, 2025, with police and military units maintaining heightened visibility nationwide.

    Dubbed ‘Operativo Garantía de la Paz en Navidad’ (Operation Christmas Peace Guarantee), this year’s initiative builds upon last year’s deployment of 19,000 National Police and Armed Forces members. The comprehensive security framework will implement round-the-clock preventive measures, intelligence monitoring, and investigative operations across major transportation corridors, tourist destinations, and residential areas.

    Strategic patrols will focus on crime prevention targeting theft, public nuisance violations, and traffic incidents. The General Directorate of Traffic Safety and Land Transport (Digesett) will implement special measures to regulate holiday travel flow and prevent accidents as thousands of citizens embark on seasonal journeys.

    A multi-agency collaboration brings together numerous institutions including the Attorney General’s Office, Public Health and Environment ministries, National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), State Economic Dining Halls, municipal authorities, and the Emergency Operations Center. Supplementary support will come from the 911 emergency system, Civil Defense, Dominican Red Cross, and Fire Departments, creating an integrated safety network throughout the festive season.

  • DGM eases entry requirements for tourists from the EU, U.S. and Latin America

    DGM eases entry requirements for tourists from the EU, U.S. and Latin America

    The Dominican Republic has officially prolonged its streamlined entry protocol for international visitors, eliminating the standard six-month passport validity mandate for tourists from major source markets. This strategic immigration policy extension, enacted through Resolution DGM-01-2024, will remain effective for a full year from December 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.

    Travelers originating from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, the United States, the United Kingdom, and all European Union member states now only require a valid passport for admission, regardless of its remaining expiration timeframe. The policy also encompasses foreign nationals from other countries who possess valid documentation permitting entry into any of the aforementioned nations.

    The General Directorate of Migration (DGM) characterizes this measure as a deliberate governmental effort to revitalize and strengthen the nation’s tourism sector by simplifying border control procedures. Immigration authorities have highlighted that reducing administrative barriers is crucial for enhancing the visitor experience and accelerating processing times at ports of entry. This initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to position the Dominican Republic as a more accessible and competitive destination within the global tourism landscape.

  • Paso Rápido users no longer need to share TAG number

    Paso Rápido users no longer need to share TAG number

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic’s highway infrastructure has entered a new era of digital efficiency with RD Vial Trust’s implementation of a fully automated toll collection system. General Director Hostos Rizik Lugo announced the groundbreaking transition that eliminates manual TAG number entry requirements effective immediately.

    The technological advancement centers around newly deployed backup RFID readers that automatically authenticate vehicle passages even when TAG devices fail to register in dedicated lanes. This redundancy system represents a significant leap in transportation technology, ensuring seamless transit through toll points without human intervention.

    Rizik Lugo emphasized the multifaceted benefits of this modernization initiative through his official X account platform. “We continue to modernize the country’s road network,” he stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to technological infrastructure development. The enhanced system provides robust user protection mechanisms while simultaneously combating potential fraud through advanced digital validation protocols.

    The sophisticated infrastructure guarantees precise toll collection by directly linking each transaction to individual account holders, eliminating processing errors and administrative discrepancies. RD Vial authorities have issued recommendations for all motorists to update their Paso Rápido applications to the latest version and verify the accuracy of their registered email addresses to ensure optimal system performance.

    This technological overhaul positions the Dominican Republic as a regional leader in smart transportation solutions, demonstrating how digital innovation can enhance public infrastructure while improving user experience and operational security.

  • President Abinader opens Christmas Village at Olympic Center

    President Abinader opens Christmas Village at Olympic Center

    SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic officially commenced its government-sponsored holiday season with the grand opening of the Christmas Village at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center on Monday. President Luis Abinader, accompanied by First Lady Raquel Arbaje, presided over the inauguration ceremony which attracted hundreds of families to the festive venue.

    The presidential couple welcomed attendees with enthusiastic gestures, prompting children to fill the air with joyful shouts that established the celebratory atmosphere. In his inaugural address, President Abinader characterized December as a period dedicated to unity, affection, and revitalized hope. He extended his encouragement for families to embrace the Christmas spirit comprehensively—not solely with immediate relatives but also with friends and regular companions in their daily routines.

    This extensive holiday initiative represents a collaborative effort between multiple governmental entities and private sector partners. Key participants include Banreservas, several ministries, and municipal governments, all contributing to create a secure, brilliantly illuminated environment suitable for family enjoyment. The Christmas Village features an array of themed attractions, artistic performances, interactive games, live shows, elaborate Christmas light displays, and appearances by children’s characters, ensuring diverse entertainment options for visitors across all age groups throughout the holiday period.

    The establishment serves as a centralized location where multiple generations—parents, grandparents, and children—can gather to create meaningful shared experiences during the festive season. This project underscores the administration’s commitment to fostering community engagement and cultural celebration through public events that promote social cohesion and holiday cheer.

  • Popeyes to open sixth restaurant in the Dominican Republic this December

    Popeyes to open sixth restaurant in the Dominican Republic this December

    Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen continues its Caribbean expansion strategy with the announcement of its sixth Dominican restaurant, scheduled to open in December at Megacentro mall’s food court in Santo Domingo Este. This strategic move follows the brand’s successful market penetration in Santo Domingo, La Vega, and Santiago, demonstrating sustained consumer demand for its signature chicken offerings.

    According to Isabel Turull, Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Agape, the expansion reinforces Popeyes’ commitment to delivering authentic, flavor-rich dining experiences rooted in culinary tradition. The inauguration event will feature a vibrant New Orleans-style celebration honoring the brand’s Louisiana heritage.

    The new location will showcase Popeyes’ meticulously prepared fried chicken, which undergoes a 12-hour marination process in Louisiana-style Cajun spices before being hand-breaded and cooked to achieve its trademark crispy texture and moist interior. Alexandra Bodden, Marketing Director, emphasized the continued popularity of the chain’s iconic Chicken Sandwich, which achieved global recognition for its exceptional flavor profile and quality.

    Operating from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, the Megacentro establishment will provide both dine-in facilities and delivery services, extending the brand’s reach to consumers throughout Santo Domingo Este. This expansion represents both a strategic business growth initiative and a cultural exchange through culinary offerings.