From next Monday, those seeking an exemption to return to T&T 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 says the information will be verified with immigration before any decision is made.

Government first mentioned that it would amend the process for exemptions late last year, after backlash over the children of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Attorney General Faris Al Rawi being permitted to return home. 

Both government ministers dismissed claims that their children had received special treatment, saying they followed the process to return just like everybody else. 

In response to Minister Young’s announcement of the new policy, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar questioned why it had taken ten months to develop a new and improved process.

“Furthermore, this new application process does not address the root cause of the problem. Citizens were not having problems in applying, but in getting an exemption because it still depends on him as Minister,” she said. 

The Opposition will move ahead with its motion of no confidence against Minister Young in the House of Representatives next week.