When government’s new exemption policy is effected on Monday, some 8,259 nationals who applied for exemption to return home will have to do so once more in order to be considered. 

Under the new system, those wanting to be repatriated will be directed to a government website in which they will be asked fill out a series of questions, including when they departed from the country.

The new measure was rolled out by National Security Minister Stuart Young, who said on Friday the information will be verified with immigration before any decision is made.

According to government data from up to January 21, the National Security Ministry has received a total of 19,941 applications for exemption since the borders closed in March. 

Of that number, 11,682 have already been granted their exemption. 

In a statement from the Ministry on Saturday, it said: “Government’s priority remains getting nationals of Trinidad and Tobago back home. Exemptions and the granting of approvals will continue to depend on the number of persons in the queue and on the quarantine space available.” 

Persons wishing to request an exemption can find the application form at www.nationalsecurity.gov.tt under the heading “Travel Exemptions”.

Unique features of this application system are:

–      The application form will be similar to that used for applying for a visa and will be considered a statutory declaration.

–      Each form will have a unique identification number which can be used to track the progress of the application.

–     Persons can fill out the form only once (persons must use the form to apply for themselves and their families at the same time).

Corporate entities seeking corporate travel exemptions can email corptravelexemption@mns.gov.tt for arrivals, and corpdepartexemption@mns.gov.tt for departures.