On Friday, March 21, 2025, President Luis Abinader swore in 160 new immigration control officers. They were trained as part of the first program aimed at raising awareness among officers on topics such as emergency response, human rights, and the special treatment of pregnant women and children in an irregular situation.

Before their swearing-in, Abinader expressed his confidence that the new officers will carry out their work with discipline, quality, and, above all, in accordance with immigration law and the Constitution.

During the event, Vice Admiral Rafael Ballester, Director General of Migration (DGM), emphasized that this first class of officers trained under the new program possesses Creole language skills, military training, field instruction, shooting drills, and the handling of non-lethal weapons, which, he said, guarantees "an effective and proportional tactical response to any risk situation."

Vice Admiral Ballester also highlighted the training of officers in areas such as human rights, first aid, rescue protocols, and the dignified treatment of pregnant women and the elderly.

The Director of Immigration explained that the measures, which include comprehensive new training for immigration control officers and the purchase of new vehicles, respond to the growing migratory pressure in the region, fueled by the crisis in Haiti.

S/ iciHaiti