Haiti negotiating repatriation of nationals detained in Moscow
Key Points(5)
- Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) is working with Russian authorities to secure the release and repatriation of several Haitian nationals detained in Moscow, including student Slanda François, who has been held at a temporary detention facility since October 2025.
- The ministry said it has been closely monitoring the situation of Haitian nationals being held at the Temporary Detention Center for Foreign Citizens located on Warsaw Road (Varshavskoye Shosse, 64th km, Building 33) in Moscow.
- The facility houses migrants facing deportation orders or administrative detention.
- According to the MAEC, diplomatic discussions began in December 2025 after authorities were notified of François’ case.
- The Haitian government requested the release of the detained nationals, offered to cover repatriation costs and proposed travel arrangements to facilitate their return to Haiti.
Haiti’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) is working with Russian authorities to secure the release and repatriation of several Haitian nationals detained in Moscow, including student Slanda François, who has been held at a temporary detention facility since October 2025.
The ministry said it has been closely monitoring the situation of Haitian nationals being held at the Temporary Detention Center for Foreign Citizens located on Warsaw Road (Varshavskoye Shosse, 64th km, Building 33) in Moscow. The facility houses migrants facing deportation orders or administrative detention.
According to the MAEC, diplomatic discussions began in December 2025 after authorities were notified of François’ case. The Haitian government requested the release of the detained nationals, offered to cover repatriation costs and proposed travel arrangements to facilitate their return to Haiti.
The ministry also requested the issuance of necessary transit visas to allow the Haitians to complete their journey home.
“The Ministry remains fully engaged and will continue its discussions with the relevant authorities until this process is completed,” the MAEC said, reaffirming its commitment to assisting Haitian citizens abroad through diplomatic channels.
Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Raina Forbin said Russian authorities are currently completing the administrative procedures required for François’ release.
He added that transit visas have already been secured for the Haitian students involved in the repatriation process, allowing them to travel back to Haiti once released.
The Haitian government said it will continue working with Russian authorities to ensure the safe return of its nationals while respecting the legal procedures of both countries.
