Young Haitian labour migrants: risks and opportunities in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic
Haitian youth in rural areas are faced with few opportunities for social mobility in their local communities. This report examines how migration and relocation are among the few coping strategies available to Haitian youth in a socio-economic environment offering very few opportunities. In particular, the report focuses on labour migration from rural Haiti to the Dominican Republic.
The paper argues that illegal cross-border migration to the Dominican Republic is a risky endeavour. However, seen in light of what they are leaving behind, many of young Haitian migrants still find it their best, and in some cases only, option. The authors believe that as long as the doors to the educational system and the labour market remain closed to Haitian youth, illegal migration continues to be the preferable choice. The author argues that, as a result, initiatives aimed at preventing illegal migration will not eliminate the root cause of migration and will risk further disadvantaging the youth and their families. Instead, the focus should be on creating opportunities in the Haitian countryside which would diminish the need to participate in high-risk migration, as well as to improve the protection of young migrants.
Recommendations can be summarised as follows:
- improving access to affordable education above primary level would make high-risk migration less relevant as an alternative
- creation of employment opportunities in rural areas will reduce the incentive for youth to engage in high-risk migration
- investments in agriculture and fisheries will also improve food security and make Haiti less vulnerable to fluctuation in global food prices
- improving the social safety arrangement of the households is a must; cash transfer, crop insurance, and possibilities for diversifying household income are suggestable measures
- political pressure should be put on Dominican authorities to ensure better treatment of illegal migrants.
