Government To Allow ALL Registered Illegal Immigrants To Live And Work Legally In T&T Until 30th September, 2026

In a strategic move to promote equity and bolster national security, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago said it is expanding the Migrant Registration Framework (MRF) to include all eligible illegal immigrants currently residing within our borders, moving beyond the previous exclusive focus on Venezuelan nationals. Under the newly-issued Legal Notice No. 470, the Immigration (Exemption from Work Permit) (Immigrants) Order, 2025, has been established to allow all registered illegal immigrants to live and work legally in Trinidad and Tobago, from 1st January, 2026 to 30th September, 2026.

In a Media Release on Monday (29th December, 2025), the Ministry of Homeland Security said, “To facilitate this, the Minister of Homeland Security will oversee the issuance of ‘registrant cards,’ which will display the individual's name, date of birth, photograph, and expiration date. Furthermore, through Legal Notice No. 469, the Immigration Regulations have been amended to specifically include the children of immigrants who hold a permit issued under Section 10 of the Act, ensuring their status is recognized alongside their parents.”

The Ministry added, “This expansion is designed to facilitate comprehensive data collection and allow the State an increased level of control over the migrant population, while simultaneously addressing public safety concerns. While providing this pathway for registration, the Ministry remains firm in its commitment to protecting citizens by addressing high-risk individuals within the migrant community. Consequently, the Ministry has recommended the deportation for illegal immigrants who have committed criminal offenses or are deemed high-risk. This matter has been referred by Cabinet for further consideration to finalize co-ordination efforts, which will require the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs to successfully engage in discussions with relevant Consulates and Embassies through diplomatic channels to facilitate these deportations and discuss potential cost-sharing measures.”

The Honourable Roger Alexander, Minister of Homeland Security, noted that this exercise is an optimal step toward ensuring that our borders and communities remain safe. The Minister stated that, “by transitioning to this holistic, equitable framework among all illegal immigrants, the Government aims to ensure that those who contribute to society can do so legally, while those who pose a threat are removed.” 

The Ministry said it will begin the registration process in January 2026, and further details regarding registration centres and specific requirements will be published in the coming weeks.

More on this as it becomes available.