Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo says Budget 2026 will be presented earlier than usual and will include funding to support the government’s plans to manage labour shortages while protecting national identity and security.
He made the announcement on Thursday during his weekly press conference at Freedom House. Jagdeo said the government is now finalising a structured legal migration framework, which will form part of a wider set of national development measures to be financed in the upcoming budget.
Jagdeo said the budget will continue the government’s focus on job creation, better education and healthcare services, community improvements and strengthened public security.
He noted that the government has also moved to prioritise a national migration policy because of current labour demands in sectors such as construction.
As part of that policy, Jagdeo confirmed that the government will introduce a biometric electronic ID system that will register every citizen and every migrant living in the country. The ID will carry personal and facial recognition data and will be required for work, banking and other services.
“If you don’t have that card, you can’t be working here,” Jagdeo said, adding that employers who hire persons without the ID will face penalties.
The system will be supported by an expanded national surveillance network of approximately 4,000 cameras. Jagdeo said this will help authorities verify identities and strengthen public safety and border control.
To this end, the vice president explained that government is examining the option of granting residency without voting rights to persons who legally migrate for work. He said this approach is used in countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, where foreign workers contribute to development but do not shape national politics.
“We need people to come and work. But they can’t change the character of our society,” Jagdeo said. He noted that this will likely be discussed further during the constitutional reform process.
Jagdeo said these decisions, along with plans such as establishing a Development Bank, represent long-term national considerations.
“These are not short-term matters. They will affect generations. And they require clear planning and responsible leadership,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the vice president dismissed criticism from the Opposition as political noise, saying the PPP/C will continue to focus on governance that supports accountability, development and security.
Jagdeo said Budget 2026 will reflect that direction, ensuring every citizen and legal resident is properly documented, protected and included in the country’s ongoing transformatio
