Migrant and CARICOM workers

• The TT$20.50 minimum wage applies to you. A Ministry of Labour inspector confirmed in January 2024 that it applies to migrant workers "whether the person is here legally or illegally", and that a migrant worker is "entitled to the same terms and conditions as a national".
• You can report underpayment to the Labour Inspectorate at the Ministry of Labour. The Minimum Wages Act protects anyone who reports a matter from victimisation.
• NIS applies to insurable employment, so your employer should register you and pay contributions. Ask for your NIS number and keep your payslips.
• Keep your own documents. Hold on to your passport, ID, contract and payslips yourself, and keep copies somewhere safe.

Non-nationals generally need a work permit to work in Trinidad and Tobago, unless an exemption applies. Work permits are handled by the Work Permit Section of the Ministry of Homeland Security: (868) 624-7513, (868) 224-4667 ext. 18300, eworkpermithelpdesk@mhs.gov.tt.

Before changing jobs, confirm with the Work Permit Section whether your permit covers the new employer.

CARICOM nationals in these 12 approved categories can work without a work permit once they hold a CARICOM Skills Certificate:

Apply to the CSME Unit of the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs through csme.foreign.gov.tt, by phone on (868) 285-5029 ext. 2102, or by email to Info.CSMEUNIT@gov.tt. Processing takes at least five to six weeks. Certificate holders can also bring their spouse and dependants.