Frequently Asked Questions on Closure of UNHCR Office-Trinidad and Tobago

What’s happening?

Many of you are already aware of recent global events that have significantly impacted funding for humanitarian and development organizations, including UNHCR and our partners. In many countries, funding has been significantly reduced. This means that while needs are still great, there is less money available to support everyone. This has caused financial uncertainty and global, regional, and local budget restrictions. As a result, a decision was made to close the UNHCR National Office in Trinidad and Tobago as of August 31st, 2025.

We know in these uncertain times, there is the potential for rumors and the spreading of false information. Which is why we have created a Q&A section on UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago to answer your questions and provide official information.

  1. How can I contact UNHCR after the office closes on 31 August?
    You can email us at [email protected]. This mailbox will be monitored by UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office in Panama.
  1. How will refugees access protection without a UNHCR office?
    Refugees and asylum seekers may contact UNHCR’s partners for assistance and to report incidents to national authorities if victim of a crime. UNHCR partners in Trinidad and Tobago are La Casita Hispanic Cultural Center and the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR). UNHCR will share information on the services accessible to all people within Trinidad and Tobago regardless of status/nationality as reminder of the public services available, some examples are primary and emergency healthcare and recourse to the Government if facing labor exploitation. UNHCR will continue monitoring the situation and supporting partners via its Multi-Country Office-in Panama and minimal staff presence in Trinidad and Tobago.
  1. Will I still be protected from refoulement and detention?
    Under international law, refugees should be protected from being sent back to a country where they may face danger (this is called refoulement) and from being detained just because they are seeking asylum. Countries that signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, including Trinidad and Tobago, are expected to respect these protections. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and its partners are working hard to make sure refugees in Trinidad and Tobago are treated fairly and that their rights are respected. We continue to speak with the government and support refugees in the country. In the event of detention or risk of refoulement you can contact UNHCR partner, CCHR for legal representation free of charge.
  1. Who will advocate for asylum in Trinidad and Tobago?
    UNHCR together with its partners in Trinidad and Tobago will continue advocating for a national asylum system and access to rights for refugees. UNHCR as a global organization through its regional and international offices will also continue this important work. Due to the closure of the national office, the way these efforts will continue will change. However, UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office in Panama will continue monitoring the protection environment so that the rights of refugees are respected. 

Accessing legal support and other services

  1. Which partners will UNHCR be working with in Trinidad and Tobago and what services do they offer?
    UNHCR’s partners are La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre and the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR), both provide services free of charge to asylum seekers and refugees. La Casita is a community-based organization that supports survivors of gender-based violence with case management. They also offer limited daycare and education services, and counselling on how to navigate life in Trinidad and Tobago. CCHR provides legal services for a variety of issues, from deportation orders to custody. For their contact information, please see UNHCR and partners – UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago
  1. I need UNHCR’s assistance for my basic needs such as food and shelter. Where can I go for help?
    Currently, neither UNHCR nor partners provide assistance with food and shelter. You can read more about the services the partners offer on our Help webpage: help.unhcr.org/trinidadandtobago
  1. Will I be able to access legal assistance?
    Refugees and asylum seekers may continue accessing services offered by UNHCR’s funded legal partner the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR). Otherwise, you may wish to seek independent legal advice including through services available via state legal aid.
  1. Will UNHCR still work with Community Outreach Members (COMs) and can I rely on information they share?
    UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago will continue to work with the Community Outreach Member network until 15 August 2025. They continue to be a reliable source for updates and information until this time.
  1. I am hearing rumors from people who are claiming to be UNHCR staff, what should I do?
    Some people may try to take advantage of this situation by making false promises to provide services including issuance of documentation in exchange for money or favors. Please be cautious of rumors and unverified information and check UNHCR’s Help webpage (help.unhcr.org/trinidadandtobago) for official updates and guidance.
  1. How can I submit a complaint about persons claiming to be UNHCR staff and offering services?
    If you have been asked to pay for UNHCR services, please report this to [email protected].

Registration

  1. Can I seek asylum in another country? How does my registration status in Trinidad and Tobago affect my asylum application in that country?
    You have the right to seek asylum, however, every country has their own asylum procedures. You may visit UNHCR’s Help webpage for more information on the existing procedures in each country. Some countries may have state run asylum procedures or no established mechanism for seeking asylum. If you plan to leave Trinidad and Tobago, you should inform UNHCR so your case can be closed and to complete the necessary forms.
  1. How can I close my case with UNHCR?
    If you plan to leave Trinidad and Tobago, please send an email to [email protected] for an appointment for your case closure interview. You will be issued a confirmation of registration status
  1. What will happen to the data I have shared with UNHCR? Can I make an access request for such information and data?
    The personal data you have shared remains confidential. If you would like to retrieve any information or documents you have shared with the National Office in Trinidad and Tobago, please send an email to [email protected] outlining your request.
  1. My child was born in Trinidad and Tobago. How can I complete the birth registration process?
    A child born in Trinidad and Tobago should be registered within the first 3 months after the birth at the Registrar of Births and Deaths in the district in which the birth took place. The parent must carry a valid form of identification, for example a passport or certified copy, a letter from the hospital and, if you and your spouse are married, a marriage certificate. If you do not have a valid form of ID, a Certificate of Nationality and Identity from your Embassy is accepted. If this is a late registration (3 months after birth but before 1 year), you must contact the closest District Registrar where the child was born. If registration is taking place after a year of birth, information can be obtained from Civil Registry, Registrar General’s Department, Registration House or from the District Registrar located nearest to where child was born. UNHCR’s partners can provide more information and support with this process (Caribbean Centre for Human Rights (CCHR): +1 868 432 0915, La Casita Support Space: +1 868 714-9997) Click here: Birth Registration – UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago for more information.
  1. How can I update my contact and other information with UNHCR?
    This will no longer be necessary with the suspension of registration activities.
  1. My UNHCR card is expired/lost. Will I be able to get a new card?
    No, UNHCR will no longer handle renewal or reissuance of UNHCR cards. Together with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, we are working on a way forward to provide solutions, and we will share further information in due course on the Help webpage.
  1. Will my documentation remain valid after UNHCR closes its office in Trinidad and Tobago?
    The documentation will remain valid until the date of expiry indicated on the card. However, please note that UNHCR will not renew or reissue documents after 25 July 2025. UNHCR continues to work with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to provide solutions, and we will share further information in due course on the Help webpage.
  1. I have just arrived in Trinidad and Tobago. How can I register with UNHCR?
    Please note that as of 25th July 2025, it will be no longer possible to register with UNHCR.
  1. Will I be able to register my family members with UNHCR if I hold a UNHCR card?
    You will be able to register any family members until 25th July 2025. After this date, registering family members will not be possible.

Refugee Status Determination

  1. What will happen to my Refugee Status Determination (RSD) case?
    Please note that UNHCR is no longer conducting RSD in Trinidad and Tobago. This means that no further RSD interviews will be scheduled, and no decisions will be issued, even if you have been interviewed in the past.

Resettlement and Complementary Pathways

  1. Can UNHCR support me with complementary pathways (education, employment or family reunification) in another country?
    UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago does not directly manage or process applications for any complementary pathways programs, such as labour mobility or education-based pathways. However, there are two partner organizations currently working in Trinidad and Tobago that may offer such opportunities and can provide more information about their programs: Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) – an international nonprofit that connects skilled refugees with employers in countries where they can safely and legally relocate for work.
    Website: Talent Beyond Boundaries/ TalentLift – a Canadian nonprofit that supports displaced people in accessing job and skilled immigration opportunities to Canada.
    Website: TalentLift Canada – Hire talent and transform lives. While UNHCR is not involved in the selection or processing of candidates for these programs, we are collaborating with both organizations to ensure persons of concern are informed about their initiatives. If you are interested, we encourage you to visit their websites or contact them directly to learn more about their eligibility criteria and how to apply. Their websites offer information in English, Spanish, Arabic and French. Please keep in mind that spaces in these programs are limited and not all applicants will be selected.
  1. Is UNHCR’s resettlement programme for refugees and asylum seekers in Trinidad and Tobago going to continue?
    If you have not been contacted about being under resettlement consideration at any point: Resettlement is a protection tool that is only available to a limited number of refugees who are facing specific protection risks in the country of asylum. It is not a right and cannot be applied for. UNHCR identifies cases based on established criteria and global priorities. If at this time, you have not been identified or contacted for resettlement consideration, this means that your case was not prioritized for resettlement submission. There is no entitlement or right to resettlement or to appeal the decision. If you have received a UNHCR letter stating you are not currently qualified for resettlement: If you were interviewed for Resettlement and received a letter stating that you are not currently qualified for resettlement, this means that the information you provided was carefully reviewed by a specialized committee who determined that your case does not currently meet the requirements to be submitted for resettlement. As such, your case will not proceed through the resettlement process at this time.
  1. I was notified by UNHCR that my resettlement case was submitted to USA. What will happen to my case?
    If your case was submitted to the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and the status is PENDING DECISION: Due to a suspension of resettlement processing by the US, we regret to inform you that the decision regarding your resettlement case has been suspended until further notice. Please note that the final decision on resettlement processing is taken by the resettlement country’s authorities and not by UNHCR. Please be aware of possible scams and/or fraudulent messages. Do not trust any messages on resettlement procedures unless officially communicated by US authorities or the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In case of doubt, please contact UNHCR. Please remember that resettlement is not a right. The US authorities have not yet reached a decision on your case. Thus, UNHCR encourages you to continue your efforts to maintain your life in Trinidad and Tobago. Specifically, keep your children enrolled in the school system (if attending), keep your job/pursue job opportunities, do not sell your belongings, do not cancel your housing/rental agreement and renew your MRF card (if applicable) on time. Please remember that all UNHCR services, including resettlement, are free of charge and we do not use intermediaries. If your case accepted by the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and the status is PENDING DEPARTURE FORMALITIES: With reference to the acceptance of your case for resettlement as communicated to you by the US authorities, we wish to inform you that due to the suspension of resettlement departures, your travel arrangements have been suspended until further notice. We regret the inconvenience this is causing you and your family. From now on, any updated information regarding your resettlement case processing will be provided by the resettlement country and not by UNHCR. UNHCR strongly encourages you to continue your efforts to maintain your life in Trinidad and Tobago. Specifically, keep your children enrolled in the school system (if attending), keep your job/pursue job opportunities, do not sell your belongings, do not cancel your housing/rental agreement in view of an imminent travel and renew your MRF cards (if applicable) on time. Please be aware of possible scams and/or fraudulent messages. Do not trust any message on expedited departures or processing unless officially communicated by US authorities or the International Organization for Migration (IOM). If in doubt, please contact UNHCR. Please remember that all UNHCR services, including resettlement, are free of charge and we do not use intermediaries. Do not trust anybody offering to support with any services in exchange for money or favors.
  1. I was notified by UNHCR that my resettlement case was submitted to the US. Given the recent delays, can my case be resubmitted to another country?
    We understand your concerns regarding the delays in the resettlement process. At this time, we would like to clarify that resubmission of your case to another resettlement country is not currently possible. UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago does not have any active resettlement quotas available at the moment. Resettlement opportunities are entirely dependent on the availability of quotas provided by resettlement countries. These quotas are limited and are determined by the countries themselves, including the number of cases they are able and willing to consider in a given year. Please be assured that your case remains under consideration with the United States and UNHCR MCO Panama office continues to follow up with the relevant authorities regarding all pending cases. We will contact you directly should there be any updates or if any new opportunities arise. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Please be aware of possible scams and/or fraudulent messages. Do not trust any message on expedited departures or processing unless officially communicated by US authorities or the International Organization for Migration (IOM). If in doubt, please contact UNHCR. Please remember that all UNHCR services, including resettlement, are free of charge and we do not use intermediaries. Do not trust anybody offering to support with any services in exchange for money or favors.
  1. I was notified by UNHCR that my resettlement case was submitted to Australia/Canada? What will happen to my resettlement case? If your case was submitted to other countries (Australia and Canada) and the status is PENDING DECISION:
    It is very important that you keep your email address and phone number up to date, as these are the main ways the resettlement country will contact you. Please note that Canada and Australia do not use WhatsApp or social media to communicate with refugees — all communication will come through email or phone call. If your case was accepted by Australia, you will be contacted by a case manager from Toll, which is the organization responsible for departure logistics. They will reach out to schedule your Independent Medical Examination (IME) and assist with other pre-departure arrangements. If your case was accepted by Canada, you will be contacted by the Canadian embassy in Trinidad and Tobago and IOM, which is the organization responsible for departure logistics. They will reach out to schedule your further interviews and Independent Medical Examination (IME) and assist with other pre-departure arrangements. Please be aware of possible scams and/or fraudulent messages. Do not trust any message on expedited departures or processing unless officially communicated by Canadian/Australian authorities or the International Organization for Migration (IOM)/Toll Group. If in doubt, please contact UNHCR. Please remember that all UNHCR services, including resettlement, are free of charge and we do not use intermediaries. Do not trust anybody offering to support with any services in exchange for money or favors.
  1. How can I update my contact information if my case was submitted to and/or accepted by Canada?
    You may contact the Canadian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago to update your email or phone number by email: Pspan-im- [email protected] Please be aware of possible scams and/or fraudulent messages. Do not trust any message on expedited departures or processing unless officially communicated by Canadian authorities or Toll Group. If in doubt, please contact UNHCR. Please remember that all UNHCR services, including resettlement, are free of charge and we do not use intermediaries. Do not trust anybody offering to support with any services in exchange for money or favors.
  1. How can I update my contact information if my case was submitted to and/or accepted by Australia?
    It is not possible to contact Toll Group, the organization in charge of departure arrangements at this time. You will only be able to update any contact information after Toll has made an initial contact with you regarding your case. Please be aware of possible scams and/or fraudulent messages. Do not trust any message on expedited departures or processing unless officially communicated by Australian authorities or Toll Group. If in doubt, please contact UNHCR. Please remember that all UNHCR services, including resettlement, are free of charge and we do not use intermediaries. Do not trust anybody offering to support with any services in exchange for money or favors.
  1. What are my responsibilities while I await resettlement?
    Please continue to be cautious about fraud or scams. Do not believe or respond to anyone promising to speed up your departure by asking for money. All UNHCR services are free of charge, and UNHCR does not work with intermediaries. While you wait for your departure to be scheduled, we encourage you to continue maintaining your life in Trinidad and Tobago:
    • Keep your children enrolled in school (if applicable)
    • Seek and maintain employment
    • Do not sell your belongings or cancel your housing until you receive official confirmation of your travel. Please be aware of possible scams and/or fraudulent messages. Do not trust any message on expedited departures or processing unless officially communicated by US/Canadian/Australian authorities or IOM/Toll Group. If in doubt, please contact UNHCR. Please remember that all UNHCR services, including resettlement, are free of charge and we do not use intermediaries. Do not trust anybody offering to support with any services in exchange for money or favors.

Education

  1. What will happen to DAWERE students and prospective students?
    DAWERE is a platform that gives students guided access to high school education. Access codes to the DAWERE platform have been paid for and administered through a UNHCR-UNICEF partnership. Due to funding constraints, there are no allocated funds for the next cycle which is due to start in January 2026. This means that if you want to enroll your child in the DAWERE programme or continue enrollment, you will have to cover the cost.

For information on UNICEF programmes visit UNICEF Trinidad and Tobago or UNHCR Trinidad and Tobago – Help for refugees and asylum-seekers for updates.

Updated: 5th June 2025