Trinidad and Tobago has witnessed an increase in Venezuelan migrant flows, within the last 4 years, in the wake of the humanitarian and political crisis in Venezuela. This situation, however, presents many opportunities for the socio-economic integration of migrants, which could produce notable benefits for both the migrants and the host country. Nonetheless, there are some imminent challenges that could disrupt integration efforts and derail developmental pursuits.
The report, therefore, provides insights into the social and economic dimensions of migrant integration through the lens of the receiving society. It is informed by a qualitative inquiry with key stakeholders from government, private sector, and civil society, and it details barriers and prospective pathways to successful integration. Additionally, sensitivities associated with this topic are illustrated, regarding difficulties faced by migrant populations in the areas of, inter alia, access to the labour market; credential recognition; educational and training opportunities; limited entrepreneurship mechanisms; and a lack of overarching policy frameworks. The report, however, proposes recommendations to address some key encumbrances to effective, sustained socioeconomic integration and promotes multi-sectoral, and collaborative approaches. The report is further mindful of ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and global transformations that signal the ever-present need to strategically respond to the concerns of migrant integration in host countries.
Trinidad and Tobago has witnessed an increase in Venezuelan migrant flows, within the last 4 years, in the wake of the humanitarian and political crisis in Venezuela. This situation, however, presents many opportunities for the socio-economic integration of migrants, which could produce notable benefits for both the migrants and the host country. Nonetheless, there are some imminent challenges that could disrupt integration efforts and derail developmental pursuits.
The report, therefore, provides insights into the social and economic dimensions of migrant integration through the lens of the receiving society. It is informed by a qualitative inquiry with key stakeholders from government, private sector, and civil society, and it details barriers and prospective pathways to successful integration. Additionally, sensitivities associated with this topic are illustrated, regarding difficulties faced by migrant populations in the areas of, inter alia, access to the labour market; credential recognition; educational and training opportunities; limited entrepreneurship mechanisms; and a lack of overarching policy frameworks. The report, however, proposes recommendations to address some key encumbrances to effective, sustained socioeconomic integration and promotes multi-sectoral, and collaborative approaches. The report is further mindful of ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and global transformations that signal the ever-present need to strategically respond to the concerns of migrant integration in host countries.