Immigration and Overstay Issues

But you are also mentioning the old government - let us revisit this in a year or two.

Colonel,
I'm not sure when they started tracking.... but they have started now.

If you notice on the visitor extension website, they apply the extra days to your passport
It triggers when presented on exit.....that you are paid up and owe nothing

We have been over this w/ traffic fines..... the system is VERY first world
Expect the Migracion system to be same...

What will they do ??? BIG question
Please let us know if you learn anything

and let me add---
that last 8 yrs you refer to......

They're history, new party in power now..... and they have plans..... and are executing those plans
NOW!!!

Sure, and ill stick by my bet......that they'll still be fine with getting free money from gringos.  And I'll let you know about my friends welcome too next week, under a new government .

I was just saying the system is easier.

But they should consider a deal for up to 6 months.  I believe this would satisfy most

I proposed a better idea, just let the gringos stay as long as they like. Then they'd make even more than they do know because even the poorer of the gringos usually spend about $1000 a month.

What the gringos spend in living here is a drop in the bucket.  They add no real taxes to the system yet want to use everything taxes pay for!  Nope.  Get with the program. 

I agree a longer term stay for snowbirds should be contemplated.  Longer than 6 months get a work visa or residency.

Big money to you - and to me

But when 6-7M visitors chalk up $30 (10/in - 20/out) + their stay
The overstay number gets measly ..... not big at all

If they stay as long as they want, they will contibute more foreign money to the country, than if they go and just pay 4000 pesos on leaving.     In fact , most spend 4k pesos every few days.

WillieWeb wrote:

Apparently the Overstay Chart has been changed
Formerly, it had listed charges for a several year stay.
Now, it only lists up to 120 days

..

WW, do you have access to the  new overstay chart you mention?

It is quite possible that there has been an update of all immigrtion related fees now that next's years budget has just been agreed.

Typically all fees for immigration are reviewed every 5 years or so and that is now overdue.

I agree that the tourist extension online only shows fees for up to 120 days.

If the fee schedule has been changed surely Lishali will have access to this document which would include any revision to all other immigration fees?

Nothing published yet.   

Why would any sovereign nation allow anyone to just come and stay as long as they want???  Hell no.

I know a few good reasons. One already mentioned is that even the poorest ones being in at least $1000 a month, most of them more than that.  Another reason is the one we hear in all our own gringo countries...that immigration is reallly good for a country in a general way(more variety of foods, etc (but I realize that some 'woke' people only apply that to our countries).   Another is that many gringos end up taking on orphans and abandoned mothers,  etc. This is a big help since theres no welfare etc here. Another is that ive often seen them giving free expertese to local business people, and bpy dp so many of them ever need it!   Another is that it would attrackt many more, ones who are now spending their money in other countries competing
for gringo dollars.
So theres 5 really good reasons.

That was just funny!

thecolonel wrote:

I know a few good reasons. One already mentioned is that even the poorest ones being in at least $1000 a month, most of them more than that.  Another reason is the one we hear in all our own gringo countries...that immigration is reallly good for a country in a general way(more variety of foods, etc (but I realize that some 'woke' people only apply that to our countries).   Another is that many gringos end up taking on orphans and abandoned mothers,  etc. This is a big help since theres no welfare etc here. Another is that ive often seen them giving free expertese to local business people, and bpy dp so many of them ever need it!   Another is that it would attrackt many more, ones who are now spending their money in other countries competing
for gringo dollars.
So theres 5 really good reasons.

Coronel, you are stuck in a "hundreds" world where the government speaks "hundreds of millions" language.

Orphans and abandoned mothers......
the poorest spend $1000/month....... maybe not !

Don't forget the dog rescues..... very good for the economy....


Both actions help clean up the streets

Pee wee - midget money...... you're talking Colonel
Drop in the proverbial bucket....

JD,  not even sure what that means, but i see you didn't try to say any of the 5 reasons was t true.
.

Or, saying the truth is funny, is just sophistry on your part.  But i accept that some here wont know all those 5 are true. Im sure you do.

Again just funny.  Your "reason" tell me everything I needed confirmed about your mindset. 

Not even worth debating they are so ridiculous.

There is still an overstay tax chart with fees to10 years displayed at the countries busiest airport (PUJ) and I will wait to see if this gets updated in the coming weeks:

https://www.puntacanainternationalairpo … prices.pdf

Change may be coming but it has not happened as of today.

One thing we should all remember is that these overstay fees that are mentioned so often are not reg'd anywhere in the law.

Like overstaying.... they are totally illegal.... initiated by the prior gov't

The new gov't want legitimacy...... we'll see

Truth is .... the immigration laws were written by the party now in power.... back 8 yrs ago or more when they were also in power
The rules were 'doctored' (illegally) by the recently ousted party during their tenure

Current regime vows to rectify this.....

and the beat goes on...........

Yes - WW, we have to wait and see. Hopefully it'll be clarified and whichever way it goes or is decided, it will be published and enforced - fairly. I look forward in the not to distant future of having family and friends visit - perhaps longer than normal holiday periods for some but not excessive. Meantime, I look forward to to the silly conversations being presented here. In this COVID 19 time we all need to laugh.  I'm thinking one Colonel has close ties to Kentucky.....

The Kentucky Colonel --- Sanders

Know the story?

He had a thriving roadside chicken joint
until
a new superhighway bypassed him....

Business suffered
He struck out to franchise his recipe......

rest is history

Update to...confirmed.    A few weeks ago I had a prediction about a friend  who would be coming in, a serial overstayer. And just as with me in october, instead of refusing him entry, they did the same as with me....said "bienvenidos a la dr".    I coulnld answer the same day as I promised because they had me banned for a couple weeks(again).

Hopefully Abinader and his Finance Minister updates the Country’s projectIons including this $4000RD windfall. 😳

thecolonel wrote:

Update to...confirmed.    A few weeks ago I had a prediction about a friend  who would be coming in, a serial overstayer. And just as with me in october, instead of refusing him entry, they did the same as with me....said "bienvenidos a la dr".    I coulnld answer the same day as I promised because they had me banned for a couple weeks(again).

Just to confirm Colonel

That ban was not from the country..... but this website.....  Right?

What if the 'double whammy' arrives !!??
Banned from both !!!???

Right, the country welcomed me, and the guy I made the bet about. It was ust the group that banned me for a couple weeks.   So ots confirmed yet again, no problem for serial overstayers.  BTW, he says he spends about $2k a month.

I just read it a little late , I am really happy for both , dreams do come true, yes there are some challenges , but is part of living . Happy and healthy holidays

Abinader reaffirms its commitment to fully comply with the Migration Law

https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2 … arta-cabal

President Luis Abinader expressed that during the first months of his mandate deportations have been regulated and that they will continue to do so.

"We assumed the government in August and since February of this year there were no deportations in the country and we have been regulating that much more since we came to the government and we will continue to do so, so the country is clear that we are going to comply with the immigration law "said the president when questioned about the issue of undocumented immigrants in the country

He added that progress has not only been on the issue of complying with the Migration Law in the country, but also with the government of Haiti, “both they in Haiti and we here on other issues, we are the ones who have to control our country ”.

Among the aspirations as a ruler, Abinader affirms that the Haitian government also has its share of responsibility, that they must be the first to control the emigration of Haitians to the Dominican Republic.

“We are in a special moment with this pandemic, but we are making a lot of progress not only on the issue of complying with the Migration law in the country, but also with the government of Haiti, both they in Haiti and we here on other issues, we are those of us who have to control our country ”.

He concluded by saying that they are working on that and reaffirmed that he will comply with the Migration Law "to the full."

These statements were offered by the president when he participated in a meeting with the press where he announced the incorporation of all police officers to the Premium service of the National Health Service (Senasa).

Whilst Haiti is the main focus, one should be prepared for immogration changes during the course of this government for all nationalities. Time is running out for gamblers who may lose out soon despite whatever they think of their value to the state.

Its been coming for some time!

This is perhaps a very significant step in dealing with people who overstay and live here illegally. Read it all and not just the headline.

Migration will fine those who give work to illegal immigrants in the country

https://noticiassin.com/migracion-multa … n-el-pais/

The General Directorate of Migration will fine all people who give work to illegal residents in the country.

According to our correspondent Pavel Arias, the institution will also seize vehicles used to transport undocumented immigrants.

The warning was made by the Director General of Migration, Enrique García.

García pointed out that people who rent houses to illegals will be fined, as well as those who hire illegals to carry out work, as established by law 285 that regulates migration in the country.

It also indicated that all vehicles without distinction whose owners are caught in this practice will be seized by the agency's staff.

The official cited among them buses, vans, cars and engines, which he said are very common to use for the illegal trafficking of foreigners.

He said that anyone who violates the immigration law should know the sanctions that are exposed when providing some type of vehicle to bring or move illegal immigrants to the Dominican Republic.

García said that this work is carried out every day throughout the country with the collaboration of the Armed Forces, the National Police and other official agencies.

It is specified that there are thousands of foreigners of all nationalities who have been detained and returned to their country, for remaining irregularly in the Dominican Republic.

He announced that in the coming days the operation will be extended to Puerto Plata, Samaná and other tourist places, where many foreigners reside to verify if they are legal in the country.

Enrique García said that this operation will cover the entire national territory, to detect illegal immigrants and that anyone who does not have their documents in order will have to face the corresponding sanctions.

I wonder how thorough these searches will be?  And for "all foreingers", or just a short list of nationalities?  I am surprised by this, without having mechanism in place for Snowbirds, or extended-stay tourists, other than the Tourist Visa extension, which doesn't fit a lot of visitors or property owners.

Very interesting about rentals. I wonder if it will extend to vacation/weekend rentals or just long term.

Is there many illegal residents working? If so where are they from?

The headline that I see here is: 'people that facilitate the continuing presence of persons without a migratory status in DR by giving employment, accomodation and transport are now fair game and will be fined if caught.'

Remember residency can be revoked if you commit crimes.

DRVisitor wrote:

Is there many illegal residents working? If so where are they from?

I have no idea what the number is, but here in Las Terrenas, I know about a dozen people who are here illegally from US, Canada and Europe and are working. Most are self-employed, but as far as I know, they haven't gone through the process of properly forming companies, paying taxes, etc. Most appear to operate with cash payments under the table.

I've only been here since July and with COVID, I've not met a ton of people. And it's not like I ask for cedulas when I meet people! These that I am aware of, it's just because they've mentioned not having residency.

DRVisitor wrote:

Is there many illegal residents working? If so where are they from?

Yes there still are.

A wide range of nationalities but mainly Haitian. There are still expats working without status in resort areas - less so on the East Coast but for sure in the smaller resorts of the North Caost and Samana.
Call centres are another problem area.

But by far the biggest areas of abuse are construction and farming where a nod and a wink was good enough in the 'purple haze' of yesterday. Corruption is in play here and is something LA is wanting to eliminate.

UncleBuck wrote:

I wonder how thorough these searches will be?  And for "all foreingers", or just a short list of nationalities?  I am surprised by this, without having mechanism in place for Snowbirds, or extended-stay tourists, other than the Tourist Visa extension, which doesn't fit a lot of visitors or property owners.

Would going after  a "short list of nationalities" not be seen as discrimination by the rest of the world?

The new DR government wrote the immigration laws about 13 years ago and stated when they came back in power recently that they would enforce the laws as they wrote them, which is something the previous government did little of except for the roundups of those from the country next door.

Is it possible to apply for an extension of a tourist visa after the 30 days has already passed? What would you recommend as this is my situation. This has me very worried.

lennoxnev wrote:

WillieWeb wrote:

Apparently the Overstay Chart has been changed
Formerly, it had listed charges for a several year stay.
Now, it only lists up to 120 days

..

WW, do you have access to the  new overstay chart you mention?

It is quite possible that there has been an update of all immigrtion related fees now that next's years budget has just been agreed.

Typically all fees for immigration are reviewed every 5 years or so and that is now overdue.

I agree that the tourist extension online only shows fees for up to 120 days.

If the fee schedule has been changed surely Lishali will have access to this document which would include any revision to all other immigration fees?

The overstay charges past 120 days was removed from the Migracion web site shortly after the PRD government took over.  I am not expecting it to be replaced, but I could be wrong. This is what was posted in the place of the old fee schedule:

https://migracion.gob.do/en/servicio/stay-extension/

SERVICE DESCRIPTION
Authorize foreigners interested in prolonging their stay in the Dominican Republic for more than 30, through an extension that can be extended up to 120 days.

TO WHOM THIS SERVICE IS INTENDED
To all foreigners who wish to extend their stay in the Dom. Rep. For more than 30 days established for tourists.
DEPARMENT
User support section.
CONTACT INFO
Dirección: Autopista 30 de Mayo, Esquina Héroes De Luperon, Santo Domingo República Dominicana
Teléfono: 809-508-2555 Ext. 5689/7011
Email: info@migracion.gob.do

REQUIREMENTS
Copy of the passport page where the biometric data is.
Stamp of the date of the last entry to the country.
Return boarding pass.

PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW
1- The user makes the extension request through the web portal and uploads the required documents.

2- The responsible staff receives the application online and debug the documents supplied by the user.

3- The request for extension of stay by the corresponding staff is approved.

4- An email is sent to the user informing about the status of their request.

5- The user makes the payment of stay online or at the airport.



Hours of service
LV | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Fees
The service request is free . The user will only pay the current rate according to the requested extension days.

30 to 90 days – $ 2,500

90 to 120 days – $ 4,000.


Processing time
3 working days

Service channel
Online: Making requests, taxes payment and emission of the extension document.

Face-to-Face: Taxes payment at the migratory check


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
URL to process the service: [link under review]

Note: The Web will be enabled 24 hours a day so that the user can start the application process.

JayBeeTee wrote:

Is it possible to apply for an extension of a tourist visa after the 30 days has already passed? What would you recommend as this is my situation. This has me very worried.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION
Authorize foreigners interested in prolonging their stay in the Dominican Republic for more than 30, through an extension that can be extended up to 120 days.

TO WHOM THIS SERVICE IS INTENDED
To all foreigners who wish to extend their stay in the Dom. Rep. For more than 30 days established for tourists.
DEPARMENT
User support section.
CONTACT INFO
Dirección: Autopista 30 de Mayo, Esquina Héroes De Luperon, Santo Domingo República Dominicana
Teléfono: 809-508-2555 Ext. 5689/7011
Email: info@migracion.gob.do

REQUIREMENTS
Copy of the passport page where the biometric data is.
Stamp of the date of the last entry to the country.
Return boarding pass.

PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW
1- The user makes the extension request through the web portal and uploads the required documents.

2- The responsible staff receives the application online and debug the documents supplied by the user.

3- The request for extension of stay by the corresponding staff is approved.

4- An email is sent to the user informing about the status of their request.

5- The user makes the payment of stay online or at the airport.



Hours of service
LV | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Fees
The service request is free . The user will only pay the current rate according to the requested extension days.

30 to 90 days – $ 2,500

90 to 120 days – $ 4,000.


Processing time
3 working days

Service channel
Online: Making requests, taxes payment and emission of the extension document.

Face-to-Face: Taxes payment at the migratory check


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
URL to process the service: https://servicios.migracion.gob.do

Note: The Web will be enabled 24 hours a day so that the user can start the application process.

https://migracion.gob.do/en/servicio/stay-extension/

I don’t believe the government of the DR will enforce this rules with tourists from wealthy countries. It just doesn’t make sense DR is a third world country and needs the money.  This law is intended for emigrants from poorest  countries.