Young: Venezuelans 'escorted,' not deported

NATIONAL Security Minister Stuart Young has said a group of 26 Venezuelan nationals were escorted out of TT last Sunday and not deported. Young made this point in response to questions from Opposition MPs in the House of Representatives on Friday.

"What my instructions are, is that by the time the attorneys got to the court on midday on Sunday, Venezuelans had already been escorted out of the borders of TT," Young said. "The application was being pursued ex-parte initially, so there was no matter being argued in court whilst Venezuelans were in our jurisdiction."

Asked by Oropouche East Dr Roodal Moonilal whether the Venezuelans were deported, Young replied, "The immigration law and the law surrounding immigration matters (are) very, very clear. I use the word 'escorted' 'Escorted' does not mean 'deported.'"

Referring to a question posed by Naparima MP Rodney Charles, who was not in the Chamber at the time, Young said Charles is misleading the population and world with conflicting claims over whether TT has a migrant refugee policy or not.

He said Government has a migrant refugee policy.

But he added, "The policy is currently sub judice and currently before the courts as a substantial action and core matter to be determined before the court."