00:00Top of the news, it's a new chapter for hundreds of migrants in Trinidad and Tobago.
00:05Applicants whose registrations have been approved can now collect their minister's permits regardless of nationality.
00:12The Ministry of Homeland Security says the appointment procedure has ended and the application process has began,
00:19opening the way for more applicants to receive a new lease on life.
00:24Charlotte Kisto has more.
00:27Hundreds of migrants were lined up outside the Artobolan Stadium, braving the scorching sun, waiting to collect their minister's permit.
00:34When TV6 drove into the venue, the large turnout of applicants were immediately evident.
00:40For many, this process is more than collecting a document.
00:43It's an opportunity to make plans, pursue employment, and take steps towards a more settled future here in TNT.
00:51But beyond the administrative process are personal stories of those who have been waiting for this moment.
00:58One Venezuelan national who spoke to us off camera says she was overjoyed when she received an email from the
01:04ministry informing her that her application had been approved.
01:08Now that she has her permit, she says one of the first things she intends to do is get her
01:14driver's license.
01:15And for another migrant, receiving the permit means the possibility of getting back to work, which he says is something
01:22he cannot wait to do.
01:23And for a Chinese national, the approval came as a surprise.
01:27She says she was happy to receive the email from the ministry and describes the collection process as smooth.
01:34The Ministry of Homeland Security says the appointment-based collection process, which initially facilitated CARICOM and other nationals, has now
01:44been completed.
01:45Effective Friday 6th, all approved applicants whose application under the Migrant Registration Framework can proceed to collect their permits regardless
01:53of nationality.
01:55Applicants are required to pay a fee of $710 at any National Lottery's Control Board booth before visiting the collection
02:03center.
02:03Those who have already made payments can proceed directly to the Atabolon Stadium.
02:09The ministry says permits can be collected at the Atabolon Stadium from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and
02:164 p.m. except public holidays.
02:18Charlotte Kisto, TV6 News.
