Attachments
Situation
• A press release published in April by the Aruban government stated that the Minister of Labor, Energy, and Integration, Mr. Glenbert Croes, has announced an "Alternative Legal Pathway", allowing undocumented persons who entered the country regularly to obtain a permit in Aruba. Workforce shortages in Aruba, particularly in the growing tourism industry, have sparked recent high-level discussions among political parties and unions, including the Food and Beverages Union and the Aruba Trade and Union Association, on streamlining permit processes and updating labour laws. A study on the “Economic Impacts of Migration"in the country published in March highlighted over USD 13.7M in potential revenue if undocumented individuals can access regular stay and work permits.
• In Curaçao, the Ministry of Justice launched a section for combatting trafficking in persons and rebranded its PATH” initiative (Prevention of Abuse and Trafficking in Persons) to improve prevention and response efforts in this area. Abuse and Trafficking in Persons). In April 25,376 visas were stamped for workers and students in the Dominican Republic, with 21,691 being temporary workers and 3,685 being student visas.
• In a meeting of the Multi-Agency Coordination Committee on 11 March, Guyana’s Central Immigration and Passport Office reported the cumulative issuance of 22,677 temporary renewable stay permits to Venezuelans since January 2018 (valid for an initial three-month period and extendable for subsequent six-month periods). This includes 1,778 new permits issued between March 2023 and March 2024.
• On 21 March, Venezuela's parliament ratified the "Organic Law for the Defense of Guyana Essequibo" territory. The United Nations Security Council issued a statement expressing “concern about the possible escalation of tensions between Venezuela and Guyana.” They urged the parties to “exercise maximum restraint, reminding them of their obligations to comply with the Order of Provisional Measures issued by the International Court of Justice on 1 December 2023.” CARICOM, the Organization of American States, and the United Kingdom rejected Venezuela's action, citing it as a threat to regional peace. The Government of Guyana issued a statement considering the above as a violation of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and basic principles of international law. Despite political tensions with Venezuela over these territorial disputes, the Guyanese government, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, reiterated its long-term objective to ensure the integration of Venezuelans in Guyana.
• In Trinidad and Tobago, a media report revealed allegations of sexual violence (rape) of a Venezuelan by members of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard while in the state’s custody at the Chaguaramas Heliport for irregular entry into the country. Despite initial dismissals by senior officials, a parliamentary committee visit to the Heliport disclosed that the committee found evidence of “obscenities and sexually explicit expressions” which questioned whether any related actions occurred. Officials acknowledged the complaint of sexual misconduct and confirmed ongoing disciplinary proceedings. The urgent need for consistent intervention to protect refugee and migrant women and children from exploitation and abuse in Trinidad and Tobago has been emphasized, including by locals, with other recent incidents, including the critical stabbing of a young Venezuelan girl and the rescue by host community members of three teenage girls from forced labour and assault at a local spa in April. In the same month, a media article indicated that a Joint Select Committee on Human Rights, Equality, and Diversity recommended establishing a special court to handle human trafficking cases and a whistleblowing mechanism to report abuses against refugees and migrants. Additionally, the Counter Trafficking Unit of the Ministry of National Security, in collaboration with R4V partners, hosted a stakeholder workshop focused on combatting human trafficking.
• In April, a new ferry service was launched between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago to improve transportation options through regular routes.
• Recent concerns have been raised by some local media linking irregular movements and escalating crime rates, prompting calls for stronger measures to control irregular entries – demonstrating ongoing xenophobia challenges in Trinidad and Tobago.