Gov't tells Dutch needing help in Haiti to sign up for French evacuation flights

Sick and other vulnerable Dutch people in Haiti may be able to join French evacuation flights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively informing this group of Dutch people of this option to leave the country, which is struggling with gang violence.

The French Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that it would operate flights from Haiti for vulnerable French people. Air links to Port-au-Prince have been cut amid political chaos in the country. “The French embassy in Port-au-Prince remains open and still functioning, despite the deteriorating conditions,” the Ministry said. Around 1,100 French people live in the former colony.

The French have informed the Netherlands that there may be “limited” space for sick and needy people from other EU partner countries during the evacuations. The French Ministry of Defense will operate flights starting on Sunday.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that it has not yet received any requests for help from Dutch people in Haiti. Vulnerable Dutch people who want to leave Haiti can contact NederlandWorldwide.

Haiti has been struggling with gang violence for years, but recently, the situation has escalated. Hundreds of prisoners have escaped after attacks by criminal gangs. An alliance of armed groups demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henri. He stepped down earlier this month, but that has not reduced the violence.

Haitians are also facing severe food shortages as they await the formation of a transitional government.