INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION - Human trafficking hurting T&T’s economy Story Updated: Nov 16, 2013 BRUSSELS A study published by the International Organisation 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 globalisation has bolstered irregular migration, smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons which rely heavily on transnational networks and organised 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 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”.
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 16:38:18 +0000
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