TRINIDAD: April 15, 2016: The Ministry of National Security informs that the processing of applications for work permits, applications for work permit extensions and applications for permanent residence continues to actively engage the attention of Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses, Minister in the Ministry of National Security.
The current economic situation in Trinidad and Tobago calls for persons charged with safeguarding and securing work for nationals to be even more mindful of the national interest. Extension of work permits therefore are somewhat circumscribed as attempts are made to ensure that the essential skills required in the country are secured.
Work permits are processed in accordance with the Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. All applications are tabled before a Cabinet-Appointed Committee which meets bi-weekly and the process is completed within three (3) weeks to one (1) month’s time, providing all relevant information is provided by the applicant.
Applicants are informed and reminded that requests for an extension of a work permit should be filed at least six (6) weeks before an existing work permit comes to an end as published in the media on several occasions in the past three years. It has been observed by the Ministry that requests for extension are often filed as late as two weeks before expiration and at times even after the current work permit period would have expired. This practice has perhaps created a false perception that applicants are “in limbo” for lengthy periods of time awaiting processing.
Minister Moses continues to promptly sign off on applications processed by the Committee for work permits and work permit extensions in the context that the requisite requirements would have been satisfactorily met.
Persons can visit the Immigration Division, Ministry of National Security website link http://www.immigration.gov.tt/ContactUs.aspx to obtain the contact information for immigration offices for further information with regard to applications for work permits, work permits extensions and permanent residence.
