Tighter borders and faster processing.
That is the goal of the new “Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill”.
Debated in the House on Friday, the legislation is a direct response to the United Kingdom’s 2025 visa restrictions for Trinidad and Tobago passport holders following a reported misuse of the asylum system, and aims to bring Trinidad and Tobago in line with global security standards.
Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers, said a meeting with UK representatives led to the proposal of a new bill.
This system will allow for the identification of high-risk individuals, including persons involved in terrorism, serious crime, or the use of fraudulent travel documents under the authority of the Chief Immigration Officer.
“The legislation makes it explicit that no decision which produces an adverse effect on a person may be taken solely on the basis of automated processing. However, Mr. Speaker, this safeguard is reinforced and operationalised through clauses five and seven. Under clause five, the competent authority, which is the Chief Immigration Officer, is responsible for overseeing the screening and assessment of API data and ensuring that appropriate procedures are in place for the verification of any matches or risk indicators.”
Mr. Sobers said when implemented with the use of technology, the process through immigration will be more efficient in identifying criminal elements and reducing wait times.
“There will now be targeted inspections instead of mass screening. Instead of stopping everyone, only flagged passengers will be selected for secondary screening, interviews or document verification. And in such cases, the competent authority can deny entry to inadmissible persons, refer individuals to police, Customs or Intelligence units and take action in relation to terrorism, risks, serious crime or Immigration violations.”
Ultimately, the Bill will strengthen national security while placing this nation in compliance with global security standards.
“It is imperative that Trinidad and Tobago maintains effective border management and control. This legislation ensures that our nation does so by implementing advancements in protocols which, through collaboration with CARICOM IMPACS when enable authorities to detect and respond to persons of interest seeking to enter, transit, or exit Trinidad and Tobago. In so doing, we will strengthen our national security framework, enhance our data sharing capabilities, and demonstrate Trinidad and Tobago’s unwavering commitment to global security standards.”
Minister Sobers noted that the UK government’s intervention into this matter is only part of what was required.
Moving forward, this legislation will act as a base to ensure that T&T is up to date with international standards and for persons coming to Trinidad and Tobago to feel a sense of security.