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Study Finds Trafficking In Persons Have A “Deleterious” Impact On Trinidad And Tobago

BRUSSELS, Belgium CMC – A study published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has found that irregular migration, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants generally have a deleterious impact on development in Trinidad and Tobago.

The study titled “Invisible immigrants: A profile of irregular migration, smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons in Trinidad and Tobago” outlines a number of recommendations for the authorities to consider.

The study presents the findings of a qualitative examination of trends and patterns associated with irregular migration, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in Trinidad and Tobago. It also identifies the impact of these phenomena on development and reveals existing systemic gaps.

The study notes that globalization has bolstered irregular migration, smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons who rely heavily on transnational networks and organized crime systems.

It said existing frameworks and systems, such as the refugee determination process, Caribbean Community Single Market and Economy (CSME) Skilled Certificates process, work permits and some immigration procedures, have inherent gaps and deficiencies, which create and support numerous avenues for irregularity.

“Irregular migrants are mainly economic migrants between the age of 20 and 30, who are drawn to Trinidad and Tobago because of the availability of jobs and attractive wages,” the study notes, adding that detected undocumented migrant workers are relatively young, with males significantly outnumbering the females.

“Guyana, China and Indonesia were identified as popular source countries,” the study stated, noting that undocumented migrant workers provide services to ‘labour-starve sectors’ and therefore contribute to the sustainability of these enterprises.

“However, they also work for extremely low wages, which can have an impact on local wages. The literature highlights that Trinidad and Tobago had experienced major skills losses particularly in the teaching and nursing professions and therefore may have labour shortages in these and other sectors.

The study found that undocumented migrants actually contribute to development by sustaining productivity in these sectors.

It said at the national level, agricultural workers support agricultural productivity and construction workers contribute to infrastructural development and that some migrants also create their own employment in the form of small business ventures such as restaurants and fruit stalls.

“Undocumented migrant workers are not, however, fully able to make economic and welfare contributions to the host State as they do not pay income taxes and therefore cannot contribute to tax revenues and receive welfare entitlements in turn.”

The study found that a  major disadvantage faced by irregular migrants is that their status inhibits them from asserting their basic human rights in the destination country and that many irregular migrants, trafficked persons and smuggled migrants are exposed to various forms of abuse and exploitation which ultimately lead to a derogation of their human rights.

The repatriation of irregular migrants in detention is hindered by several obstacles, especially the determination of the identity of the migrants, which significantly delays the process and leads to the lengthy detention of the migrants.

The study outlines a number of recommendations to rectify what it termed “major gaps and maximize the developmental benefits of migration for Trinidad and Tobago”.

It said that avenues for irregularity should be carefully reviewed to reduce or eliminate existing gaps and deficiencies and that options for expanding legal channels for labour migration should be explored to fill apparent shortages and reduce the attractiveness and profitability of clandestine options.
“Regularization of persons with strong economic and social ties should also be considered to facilitate their welfare and economic contributions and to limit possibilities for their exploitation and abuse,” the study recommended, adding that a maximum period of detention for irregular migrants should be considered and more efficient systems should be employed to determine the identity of the migrant through collaboration with key stakeholders and interest groups.

The study is also calling on the authorities to conduct a careful analysis of areas in which migration can contribute significantly to development and integrate migration into existing developmental strategies.

It said that sustained efforts should be made to enforce existing laws such as the Immigration Act (1969) and the Sexual Offences Act (1986), and outstanding issues such as migrant smuggling and refugee protection, which require legislative action, should be engaged. Inconsistencies and deficiencies in the Immigration Act of 1969 should also be addressed.

“More public awareness in the area of trafficking in persons is needed, and relevant officials should be properly trained to respond to the needs of victims of trafficking and efforts towards data collection and information, and intelligence sharing should be standardized in accordance with recognized practices and procedures.”

The authors said that one of the major conclusions emerging from the study “is that although some benefits are derived from the employment of undocumented migrant workers in ‘labour-starved’ sectors, irregular migration, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants generally have a deleterious impact on development in Trinidad and Tobago”.

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