Venezuelans preyed upon despite registration
An SOS for help has gone out to law enforcement from a group of Venezuelans who came before the recent registration exercise but did not get the opportunity to register and who are now allegedly being kept by people they are working for.
That problem, plus job scams, sexual advances on job interviews and other issues are among some of the experiences Venezuelan migrants have encountered since Governments registration exercise ended on June 14a month today.
Members of several Venezuelan community networks related experiences to the Sunday Guardian as Venezuelans continue settling in and awaiting their registration cards.
Last Thursday, National Security Minister Stuart Young said cards being printed should be distributed in a few weeks. He said registration forms had provided a wealth of information and authorities were now tracking problems, including trafficking. But for those in T&T who did not register, authorities would not have information on certain problems affecting them.
Interpreter Aracelie DOlivera, part of various groups assisting migrants, has, however, been getting information beyond what is on forms. She said she received a message early last week from a Venezuelan man who sought help. He said he came to T&T prior to the registration but did not get to register and he and 25 others were now working for employers in the East-West corridor (locations given) and were now allegedly being held hostage to ensure they worked off payment for the trip.
The man told DOlivera he came here illegally with about 25 others.
That problem, plus job scams, sexual advances on job interviews and other issues are among some of the experiences Venezuelan migrants have encountered since Governments registration exercise ended on June 14a month today.
Members of several Venezuelan community networks related experiences to the Sunday Guardian as Venezuelans continue settling in and awaiting their registration cards.
Last Thursday, National Security Minister Stuart Young said cards being printed should be distributed in a few weeks. He said registration forms had provided a wealth of information and authorities were now tracking problems, including trafficking. But for those in T&T who did not register, authorities would not have information on certain problems affecting them.
Interpreter Aracelie DOlivera, part of various groups assisting migrants, has, however, been getting information beyond what is on forms. She said she received a message early last week from a Venezuelan man who sought help. He said he came to T&T prior to the registration but did not get to register and he and 25 others were now working for employers in the East-West corridor (locations given) and were now allegedly being held hostage to ensure they worked off payment for the trip.
The man told DOlivera he came here illegally with about 25 others.
Link Text