Venezuelans: Government must speak out about renewing registration

Venezuelans in TT are concerned about the lack of information about the renewal of registration cards, which expire on December 31, as well as the latest deportations of 16 children and nine women to Venezuela.

On Tuesday, National Security Minister Stuart Young, during a press conference, said the renewal of work permits granted to 16,523 refugees is in the hands of Cabinet.

Angel FernAndez told Newsday on Wednesday, "Since the TT government approved the amnesty to allow us to work legally here, Venezuelans are desperate because we do not have concrete information on how long this permit will last."

Fernandez was one of the first to register in the June 2019 process.

"I lined up for a long time on the first day of registration and thanks to that I have been able to work calmly. But it is worrying not having information about the renewal, and my bosses have already warned me that without a registration card, I will not be able to continue in my job," he said.

Fernandez, who has been working in a restaurant for eight months, believes the government should be clearer about the possible renewal – or not – of the cards.

"Minister Young says very little about Venezuelans. The Immigration Division is delivering some forms, but there has been no confirmation by anyone from the government. We don't know what to do," he said.

Young's statements on Tuesday about the case of the children and women sent to Venezuela on Sunday also gave legal refugees food for thought.

"Minister Young was tough on Venezuelans. We just hope that the deportation case does not get mixed up with the renewals of the work cards," said Luisa Carpio.

Young made it clear that legal Venezuelans who support illegal migrants here will also be deported.

"We recognise that there are laws to comply with, but there are also ways to enforce them. We are sure that the vast majority of Venezuelans here are complying with that," Carpio said.

Carlos Perez added: "Legal Venezuelans need to remain legal. That is why it is important that work cards be renewed, and for much longer, to be able to maintain job stability."

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister said in a statement that the migrants will inevitably become permanent.

"Clearly it will not be acceptable for them to remain as people at the margins of our society, eking out a living with children not able to be properly schooled or even being born here as new citizens of TT," Dr Rowley said.