Dominican Republic faces labor crunch as oil surge hits aviation

Labor: stalled reform deepens Haitian workforce shortage

Santo Domingo, March 2026. The Dominican Republic is facing mounting pressure over a shortage of Haitian labor, as a proposed regulatory framework remains stalled at the government level.

The Economic and Social Council (CES) had submitted a plan to President Luis Abinader aimed at organizing foreign labor, particularly Haitian workers, in key sectors such as construction and agriculture.

The proposal included mechanisms to grant temporary work permits, with the goal of formalizing employment and addressing labor market needs.

However, the plan has yet to move forward, even as mass deportations of more than 500,000 migrants over the past two years have significantly reduced the available workforce.

Industry leaders report declining production, project delays, and rising operational costs.

Despite calls from businesses and organizations, authorities continue to prioritize mechanization and repatriation policies.

Aviation: government assesses impact of rising oil prices

At the same time, the government has launched a joint review with airlines to assess the impact of rising global oil prices on the aviation sector.

Tourism Minister David Collado stated that visitor numbers remain strong, with nearly 800,000 arrivals recorded in February, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

To address energy-related challenges, authorities are focusing on:

• strengthening regional air connections, particularly with Colombia and Puerto Rico
• consolidating existing agreements with Canada

Tourism resilience amid global energy pressure

The strategy aims to preserve the Dominican Republic’s position as a leading Caribbean destination, despite the strain caused by volatile global energy markets.

Authorities remain focused on balancing economic growth, tourism performance, and energy constraints in a shifting international environment.

Soraya Ades.