The Dominican Permanent Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, chaired by Congressman Ignacio Aracena, is currently reviewing a bill proposed by Congressman Elías Wessin Chávez of the Quisqueyan Christian Democratic Party (PQDC) and co-signed by 12 other legislators from all political parties.

This bill proposes that Haitians pursuing university or technical studies at Dominican institutions, whether through scholarships from the Dominican government, as well as those studying with funding from international organizations or even with their own resources, be required upon graduation to return to Haiti to practice their profession for a minimum period of four years.

According to Article 16 of this bill, this commitment must be formalized by a document signed by the student before the end of their studies, regardless of the regularization of their immigration status.

The bill provides that the data of Haitian students receiving scholarships will be shared with Haitian authorities and member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS) to facilitate compliance with this obligation.

The article specifies that if a Haitian professional or technician does not return to their country, they will be immediately expelled and permanently banned from entering the Dominican Republic. In addition, proceedings will be initiated to obtain reimbursement of amounts corresponding to scholarships awarded by the Dominican government for the students concerned.

This initiative aims to ensure that knowledge and educational investments benefit the Haitian people, particularly in technical and professional fields where Haiti faces serious shortages.

SL/ HaitiLibre