Thousands of Venezuelans who sought refuge in Trinidad and Tobago are now asking for help to return to their country soon.
Two official lists prepared by the Venezuela Embassy and La Casita de Arima, and another promoted through other networks are the result of entire families suffering the consequences of anti-covid19 restrictions.
The number of Venezuelans who want to return home could exceed 8,000, according to a rough estimate from various Venezuelan groups in TT.
In May 2019, just over 16, 500 Venezuelan nationals complied with a government registration process which allowed them to work and live here legally. There have also been several instances of boatloads of Venezuelan nationals arriving at secluded beaches since then which prompted stricter border patrols.
Venezuela's ambassador to TT Carlos Pérez told Newsday that up until Friday the embassy had handled 350 repatriation requests, made by phone or directly at the embassy in Port of Spain.
Pérez said the only list confirmed by the Venezuelan authorities is the one managed by the embassy for the repatriation trips organised by the governments of Venezuela and TT.
He said those who contact the embassy are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The difficulties the vast majority of Venezuelans in TT are facing, he said, are due to a lack of jobs.
The Venezuelan authorities are working on a return that could be by sea or by air.
“The most convenient routes are being evaluated and therefore the date has not yet been confirmed."Once the logistics have been worked out, he said, "We will go to the TT government for the corresponding permits."
The other list of requests for help in returning Venezuela is being handled by the NGO La Casita de Arima, through talks with officials from the National Security Ministry.
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds on Saturday said he is aware that some Venezuelans want to return to their country but, as yet, no decision has been made about the matter.
At the moment, because of the current health restrictions which have shut many businesses until July 4, many Venezuelans are not working. As a result they have no income and are struggling to pay rent or even buy food.
Hinds told Sunday Newsday about two weeks ago he had a meeting with “persons who described themselves as spokespersons for the Venezuelans who are present” in TT and they had “a very useful exchange.”
“They told me there were those who, because the situation in Venezuela had improved for them, they were prepared to return as some had previously done. And I told them that we would have further discussions and arrangements around that.”
He said the number of people hoping to return to Venezuela was not brought up, neither was any report of any individual willing to provide them with transportation free of charge. However, he said both parties were satisfied with the meeting and discussions would continue, although a date for another meeting was not pla
