From Jamaica Gleaner

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Global Detention Project, an international group based in Switzerland, says Trinidad and Tobago is a hub for an alarming number of illegal immigrants.

In its online report, Global Detention Project says there are currently 100,000 undocumented migrants living in the twin island republic .

The report – “Trinidad and Tobago Immigration Detention Profile” says the rate at which foreigners were migrating to the country, national security could be seriously compromised.

The report said Trinidad and Tobago was a stomping ground for illegal immigrants because, it being one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean, its people enjoyed an above-average per capita income for the region.

“Its status has made this country an important transit and destination country as well as a major tourist destination,” the report said.

According to the report, Guyanese and Jamaicans formed the two major groups of migrants living illegally here.

It added that Venezuelans and persons from Ghana were also seeking refuge in Trinidad and Tobago in droves due to the economic situation in their respective countries.

The Global Detention Project report also noted that the treatment of detainees from Africa had been criticised due to the length of time they remained in custody.

In many cases, immigrants remained in detention up to three years.

For more on this story go to: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/caribbean/20170827/trinidad-and-tobago-hub-illegal-immigrants-report