Belize Vetting More Than 12,000 Migrants Seeking Permanent Resident Status

BELMOPAN, Belize – The Belize government says it is in the process of vetting more than 12,000 applications from migrants from 32 countries as it reminded stakeholders that the valid “white” Amnesty Programme receipt allows for migrants to remain and work in the country until a final decision is made on their application.

The Ministry of Immigration said the receipt is a legal document and that the Nationality and Passports Department is continuing to deliberate on amnesty applications. It said it is hoping to complete the exercise by September 30th this year.

The Ministry said it is dealing with applications for 12,765 migrants from 32 countries and applicants will be notified when a decision is made on their application.

“The Government of Belize reiterates that the Amnesty Programme is being implemented for the following purposes, namely national security, managing migration, economic development and humanitarian assistance,” the ministry said.

In December 2021, the Belize government of Belize announced the implementation of a comprehensive amnesty exercise scheduled for 2022-2023. amnesty programme is aimed at providing asylum-seekers and irregular migrants an alternative pathway to obtaining a permanent residence status, irrespective of their current asylum or migratory status.

Once the vetting period is over, applicants who benefit from the amnesty will be required to cover the costs of permanent residence issuance,  US$250 per adult and US$125 per child.. The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR has indicated that is prepared to provide further assistance to the most vulnerable asylum seekers to cover these costs.