Dominican Efficiency
I joined the
Plan Nacional de Regularizacion de Extranjeros about 2 and half years ago. About a month ago I went through what was supposed to be the final stage to receive a temporary residency cedula that would be good for 2 years. They have given me 2 dates to receive my cedula and each has come and gone without it arriving at the Puerto Plata immigration office.
I have to return to the United States to prepare my taxes so I booked a flight after the cedula was supposed to arrive. The problem is it has been reported that some Haitians and ex-pats who have had extended stays have not been permitted to re-enter the country after leaving and they have been sent back to their respective countries.
I have heard of several ex-pats who have come and gone with no problems but also heard of those being deported. Therefore what to do? Do I take a chance on leaving and when I come back I cannot enter without my cedula? I asked the immigration officials what to do and they sent me to the immigration office in Santo Domingo.
I went thinking I could do everything in 1 day but I was sadly mistaken.
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What a CLUSTER!!!!!!!!!! First they sent me to the main office to see if my cedula was ready ...NOT...I have to wait 2 more weeks...yeah right you said that 2 weeks ago...CONYO!
Then I had to make copies of my passport and several other forms and upload them to their web site. The problem is although I had my laptop with me I did not have a way to duplicate and upload the required information. I had to go to a copy store and use their computers. I went back to the website was very difficult to navigate and there was information required that I did not have.
Do not ask me why but the staff at the information desk are not permitted to physically help you...which makes absolutely no sense since the process is so complicated but I finally got someone to walk me through the process.
I had to come back the next day after completing the on-line process. I literally went to 5 different stations within a 6 hour period of time. It reminded me of when I was in the military ...hurry up and wait.
One benefit was I got to see some cuties working the desk
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Sorry I couldn't get a better photo but she was absolutely gorgeous!
Finally they give me a re-entry card that permits me to come and go for about 6 months however my residency should be ready by then. The bottom line is I had to spend 7000 pesos in fees to get the re-entry card 2 days in a hotel food taxi fare etc. all because my cedula was not ready on two separate dates that the immigration officials had given me. So I was penalized for someone else's inefficiency...that makes sense doesn't it????????
I could have thought of several points were the process could be made much simpler but that would be too easy. At least I got to see a great sunrise my last day in Santo Domingo.
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Bienvenidos a la Republica Dominicana!