Venezuelan Registration Policy Gets Green Light

Venezuelan nationals in Trinidad and Tobago will be allowed to register during a two-week period which will begin on May 31, 2019, and end on June 14, 2019.

The Hon Stuart Young, Minister of National Security, Communications and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister made the announcement today. Here are the details:

1. Venezuelans who entered the country both legally and illegally will be permitted to register. Those who are in immigration detention centres for violating immigration laws will be released and also allowed to register.

2. When the registration period ends on June 14, 2019, the enforcement of existing immigration laws will resume.

3. There will be five registration centres located in Port of Spain, San Fernando, Arima, Cedros and Scarborough which will be open for the 14 days from 7 am to 5 pm. Interpreters will be present at each centre.

4. Each centre will have a minimum of 20 registration booths. It is anticipated that each registration will take approximately 30 minutes. For a total anticipated registration of approximately 28,000 people.

5. During the registration period Venezuelan nationals will have to be fingerprinted, photographed, provide evidence of their nationality, address in Trinidad and Tobago where they are staying and fill out forms designed to capture pertinent details. They will also be required to undergo medical examinations.

6. The registration process will include the registrant signing a statutory declaration that all the information provided is true and accurate. Post registration, due diligence will be conducted to determine the accuracy of the information provided. If any of the information provided is false the “Work Permit Exemption” will be revoked and the migrant deported.

7. After registration, the Venezuelan nationals will receive a registration card and their photo identification. Once registered they will be considered to have been granted the equivalent of a “Work Permit Exemption”, which will be initially valid for 6 months.

8. Prior to the expiration of this initial six month period migrants will be required to report to the designated Immigration Division’s office and provide evidence of their employment, if so employed, as well as places of abode. Subsequently, another Work Permit Exemption will be endorsed for another 6 months.

9. Migrants may not be granted any further time to stay in the country (unless Cabinet decides to grant an extension) and will be required to return to Venezuela.

10. The registration exercise is expected to cost $5 Million

11. Registered Venezuelan nationals will be subject to and protected by the material laws of Trinidad and Tobago which protect citizens, residents of Trinidad and Tobago and foreign nationals permitted to be employed in Trinidad and Tobago.

12. The only free healthcare which will be made available to registered Venezuelans is emergency medical services, primary healthcare and public health.

13. There is no guarantee to the right to education, training or any other Government service for registered Venezuelans.