Dominican Republic labor market reaches record employment levels

The Dominican Republic's labor market saw significant growth in the second quarter of 2026, with the Central Bank reporting 147,456 net new jobs. This brings the total number of employed persons to 5,271,005, a record high. Notably, women drove this expansion, accounting for 86.6% of the new positions. While formal employment grew by 74,794 jobs, the total informality rate remains at 53.8%.

In other domestic developments, the Dominican Aviation Civil Institute (IDAC) and various organizations conducted environmental cleanup efforts in Puerto Plata and along the Camú River in La Vega, removing thousands of pounds of waste. Meanwhile, the Association of Dominican Airlines (ADLA) has raised concerns regarding proposed regulations that would require cabin crew to have prior employment contracts before obtaining licenses.

Economically, the US dollar remains steady near RD$60 in local banks. Additionally, former Finance Minister Daniel Toribio warned that potential interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve may necessitate similar moves by the Dominican Central Bank to prevent capital flight.