Distribution of Registration Cards Begin for Registered Venezuelans in Trinidad and Tobago

The distribution of Registration Cards for Registered Venezuelan Nationals in Trinidad and Tobago commenced on Friday 26 July, 2019 at the Immigration Division’s Office, Government Campus Plaza, 3-9 Richmond Street, Port of Spain.

Minister of National Security the Honourable Stuart R. Young M.P. addressed the media at the Immigration Office. The Minister stated that the Ministry successfully completed the registration process and have now reached the stage of delivery of Registration Cards.

Minister Young explained that the Registration Card is outfitted with various levels of security features including a unique identification PIN number, security seal and barcode. He affirmed that the Ministry is proud of the quality of the registration card design. The Minister informed that registration cards will be distributed in keeping with the pace of the vetting process.

Chief Immigration Officer Ms. Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews outlined the procedure for the collection of Registration Cards as follows:

• Registered Venezuelan nationals will be contacted individually when their Registration Card is ready for collection.
• Persons who have been contacted will collect their Registration Card at the Immigration Division Office, Government Campus Plaza, 3-9 Richmond Street, Port of Spain on Mondays – Fridays between the hours of 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• The registration card is valid for a six month period. Following the expiration of the registration card, Venezuelan Nationals will be required to visit an Immigration Division office, where further information will be collected and an application made for a renewal for a period of six months.

Minister Young reiterated that the Registration Card does not give the holder the right to Permanent Residency or Citizenship Status. Any Venezuelan national found to be involved in criminal activity will lose their registration status and will be deported.

The Minister also reminded that Registered Venezuelans cannot vote in this country. Importantly, Registered Venezuelans who need to leave and return to this country during the one-year period will be required to apply for a Trinidad and Tobago Visa.

Minister Young took the opportunity to commend the Immigration Division and all Ministry of National Security staff for their dedicated efforts over the past three months, which has made the registration process a success.

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