The Government has criticised the lack of notice it was given by the United Kingdom when it imposed a visa requirement for Trinidad and Tobago nationals to travel to the UK last week.
Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne on Friday lodged a formal complaint with UK High Commissioner Jon Dean over the newly imposed visa requirement.
In response, Dean said the visa imposition will be reviewed throughout the year.
In a media release yesterday, the ministry said Browne met with Dean at its head office in Port of Spain on Friday.
“The purpose of the meeting was to present the position of Trinidad and Tobago on the decision of the United Kingdom to impose a visa requirement for nationals of Trinidad and Tobago seeking to travel to the United Kingdom, and to outline a way forward.
“Minister Browne took the occasion to make a formal complaint about the visa imposition on our nationals, and included reference to the lack of appropriate notice and the absence of a truly collaborative approach from the United Kingdom toward solving their asylum-process observations,” it stated.
Increase in asylum seekers
The ministry said Dean confirmed the visa requirement was imposed due to an increase in asylum seekers from Trinidad and Tobago and provided an explanation for the lack of notice.
“The minister expressed concern about the adequacy of the transitional arrangements, as such arrangements are already adversely affecting nationals who have made plans and reservations to travel to or transit through the UK. Both officials reviewed some specific cases and examples.
“The High Commissioner acknowledged that the imposition of the visa requirement was sudden, advised that his team would seek to provide as much public guidance as possible during and beyond this initial period, and emphasised that the visa imposition would be reviewed during the course of this year,” it continued.
“The minister proposed and the High Commissioner agreed that both sides would work collaboratively towards an action plan in an effort to address the situation that led to the imposition of the visa requirement, and to seek avenues for a lifting of the visa regime as soon as possible,” the release stated.
Last Wednesday, Dean explained why T&T nationals would no longer be eligible to travel under the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme.
Under the new rule, T&T nationals will have to apply and pay for visas if they wish to travel to the UK, even if this is just in transit to another destination.
Dean cited misuse of the British immigration system by asylum seekers from T&T and the “unjustified” surge in asylum claims.
T&T nationals will need a Direct Airside Transit Visa if transiting via the UK.
However, those with an existing electronic travel authorisation and who already have a confirmed travel booking can still enter visa-free until April 23, 2025.
With the imposition of the new visa requirement, T&T is one of three Commonwealth countries whose nationals require visas to enter the UK.
The other two countries are Jamaica and Dominica.
The UK High Commission also introduced an additional fee of $722.14 for an appointment at its One Woodbrook Place centre.
In guidelines posted to its website and social media, the UK High Commission noted the fee is separate from the online application fee and can be paid when booking an appointment online or at the centre.
Fees for the new visa system vary according to the length of stay, from six months to ten years.
Responding to the announcement of the visa requirement, local business groups expressed concerns.
‘An unfortunate step backward’
President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Commerce Baldath Maharaj described the move as unnecessary and “an unfortunate step backward in our longstanding relationship with the UK”.
He added the new visa requirement would create unnecessary hurdles for businesses that rely on travel to the UK for trade, investment, education and professional development, and reduce potential foreign exchange earnings.
Maharaj projected that businesses will now need to adjust their plans to account for visa processing times, additional fees, and possible travel disruptions.
In a release, the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce said the policy shift would affect key areas of bilateral engagement, including trade, investment, tourism, student mobility and cultural exchange.
President of the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce Deoraj Mahase described the UK’s move as “interesting”, given the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
Mahase said as it stands, there “should not be any major repercussions for the business community”, as the requirements are more towards the average traveller.
—SL
