Nearly 200,000 people forcibly returned to Haiti so far this year, UN says

Nearly 200,000 people were forcibly returned to Haiti in the first eight months of 2023, according to a United Nations official. This figure represents an increase from the same period last year, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by deportees in a country grappling with severe insecurity and displacement.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that the vast majority of these forced returns, approximately 98%, originate from the Dominican Republic, with others arriving from the United States, The Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands. These returns are occurring amidst acute insecurity, limited basic services, and widespread violence, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of those being sent back.

Deportees face significant obstacles upon arrival, including fewer assets, weaker labor market integration, and a higher likelihood of intending to migrate again. Many report difficult experiences during the deportation process, such as detention, confiscation of possessions, and verbal or physical abuse. The study also indicates that both deportees and non-deportees experience similar levels of insecurity and low trust in institutions.

In 2023 alone, the number of forced returns increased by 36% compared to 2024, with a total of 270,214 people returned. There has been a notable increase in the number of women, girls, and boys among those returned. Immediate needs upon arrival are primarily transportation, food, and temporary shelter, underscoring the precarious situation of returnees.

Carlos Ruiz, head of the U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), warned that without improved security, efforts to advance preparations for the country's first elections in a decade remain severely constrained.