The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has announced that it will begin registering all undocumented migrants in the country starting next week, warning that individuals who fail to comply could face immediate deportation.
Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander announced during the weekly post-Cabinet news conference on Thursday night. He said the initiative will be implemented under a new Migration Registration Framework that applies to all undocumented migrants, regardless of nationality. A registration fee of TT$700 will be required, while children will be exempt.
Under the new system, migrants will first be required to complete an online application at migrantregistration.gov.tt. Once submitted, applicants will be scheduled for an in person interview. Successful registrants will then be issued a Migration Registration Framework card.
According to Minister Alexander, Cabinet has approved the registration of all eligible undocumented migrants in Trinidad and Tobago. He explained that a similar framework was introduced in 2019 by the previous administration, but at that time it applied only to Venezuelan nationals. The current policy expands the requirement to include all undocumented migrants residing in the country.
Alexander said applicants will be required to provide a form of identification, a residential address, and details of their place of employment if they are working. He emphasized that the government is taking a new approach to migration management, incorporating digital tools to streamline the process while maintaining oversight through in person interviews.
He also noted that government facilities across the country will be used to accommodate the registration exercise, ensuring accessibility for migrants throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
When questioned about whether migrants with criminal records would be permitted to register, the minister indicated that such cases would present challenges. He said that individuals with criminal histories would likely face difficulties during the registration process, stressing that the government is seeking migrants who contribute positively to national development.
Alexander nevertheless encouraged all undocumented migrants, including those who entered the country illegally, to come forward and register. He said the government does not want migrants to go into hiding, but rather to participate in the process so that their status can be properly documented and managed.
The new registration drive forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen border security, improve migration oversight, and address longstanding concerns related to undocumented migration while maintaining order and public safety.