Venezuelan Refugees Await Work Permit Stickers in Trinidad and Tobago

Venezuelan refugees in Trinidad and Tobago are facing challenges due to the four-month delay in receiving their 2025 work permit stickers. Many have lost jobs and cannot engage in necessary legal activities. The Ministry of National Security announced an extension until December 31; however, the lack of updated stickers complicates many aspects of daily life for Venezuelans. Positive announcements indicate hope for resolution soon.

Venezuelan refugees in Trinidad and Tobago have been waiting for four months for their 2025 work permit stickers. Since 2019, they have received permits to work and reside legally in the country, but a recent delay has created significant challenges for many. On November 8, 2024, the Ministry of National Security announced an extension of these work permits until December 31, yet the actual stickers remain unavailable, hindering many from maintaining employment.

The delay has resulted in job losses for numerous Venezuelans due to non-updated work cards. Carmen Farias, a Venezuelan resident for eight years, shared her experience of being terminated from her job for failing to present a valid work permit, despite the extension announcement. She noted, “There is a press release from November 8. It explains there is a one-year extension, but the bosses don’t want to have legal issues and prefer to fire their Venezuelan workers.”

Other implications of the delay include the inability to legally leave Trinidad and Tobago, open bank accounts, or complete various legal procedures needed in governmental institutions. Yulmary Belle, a Venezuelan social activist, highlighted that updated work cards are essential for obtaining entry visas, indicating the broader impact of the situation on Venezuelan immigrants.

Venezuelans also face challenges when enrolling their children in local schools, as the Ministry of Education requires updated stickers dated December 31, 2025. Speaking on March 14, former Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds reassured that the new stickers were ready and would soon be distributed to eligible individuals. Following Hinds’ reassignment on Monday to the Office of the Prime Minister, Marvin Gonzales became the new Minister of National Security. An official press release outlining the distribution procedures of the stickers is expected shortly.

The ongoing delay in issuing work permit stickers has created significant employment and legal challenges for Venezuelan refugees in Trinidad and Tobago. Many have lost their jobs and face difficulties in daily transactions and enrolling their children in schools due to outdated permits. Positive developments, as expressed by the former Minister of National Security, suggest that solutions may soon be forthcoming with the distribution of the new stickers.

Original Source: newsday.co.tt