ILLEGAL immigrants, beware.
This country’s first Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) was formally opened along the Eastern Main Road in Aripo, Arima, yesterday.
The establishment of the IDC is a significant step in the Government’s thrust to effectively arrest this country’s growing illegal immigration problem, National Security Minister Martin Joseph said during the ceremony.
While delivering yesterday’s feature address, Joseph said, ’Strengthening the nation’s capacity to detain illegal immigrants and other aliens subjected to deportation is a key component of the comprehensive strategy to deter illegal immigration into Trinidad and Tobago.’
’Illegal immigration can be defined as migration across national borders in violation of a country’s immigration laws. Persons found culpable of such acts are defined as prohibited immigrants,’ Joseph explained.
There are currently some 215 foreign nationals detained in prisons across this country, he said. Seventy-three of them are prohibited immigrants.
Prior to the establishment of the IDC, located on the former site of the Social Development Ministry’s Aripo Remand Building, prohibited immigrants were detained at the Maximum Security Prison at Golden Grove, Arouca.
’While this short-term measure was not in keeping with international best practice, the maximum-security prison as the nation’s most modern correctional facility was the best option available,’ Joseph said.
The IDC has the capacity to house 150 detainees, both male and female, and will be under the stewardship of the Immigration Division.
’It would only be operated as a means for short-term detention of non-nationals and will not be facilitated as a prison or correctional facility. The long-term aim is to ensure that these migrants can be successfully repatriated to their respective countries after due process,’ Joseph said.
Retirees from the prisons and police service, as well as immigration officers, make up the IDC staff. The first batch of detainees are expected to arrive at the IDC today, and within the next two weeks, the entire transition from the MSP will be completed, Joseph said. -JJ
