Belize: A New Haven For Refugees?

Belize, a country in Central America, has long been a destination for refugees from neighbouring countries. In 2022, 4,130 refugees and asylum seekers were registered in Belize, mainly from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. The country's response to the refugee situation has been mixed, with some government initiatives to support refugees and asylum seekers, while also implementing stricter immigration controls and a hardline approach to asylum applications.

Refugees from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua

Belize, a Central American country, has historically received refugees from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. In 2022, 4,130 refugees and asylum seekers were registered in Belize, with 66.68% from El Salvador, 19.49% from Honduras, 11.47% from Guatemala, and 1.45% from Nicaragua.

People from these countries have fled to Belize to escape wars, crimes, and gangs. In 2015, a surge in gang violence, extortion, restrictions on mobility, kidnapping, and violence in El Salvador led to the displacement of thousands of people, forcing them to seek asylum in Belize. Similarly, the existence of gangs, violence, and insecurity in Honduras has driven people to flee the country. In Nicaragua, political turmoil and human rights abuses since 2018 have caused around 200,000 people to flee, with the majority seeking protection in Costa Rica.

Belize has taken steps to integrate refugees and provide them with essential services. The country's Refugee Act, Chapter 165 of the Substantive Laws, treats all asylum seekers as potential refugees and grants them rights and freedoms, including access to public health, education, and legal services. Belize has also launched the Amnesty Programme 2022, offering permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship for refugees and asylum seekers who meet specific requirements.

The influx of refugees has had a significant impact on Belize's society and economy. With a population of approximately 420,000, Belize has rich ethnic and cultural diversity due to immigration. Spanish has become the most commonly spoken language in the country, surpassing English and Creole. The country's GDP, heavily reliant on tourism, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the constant flow of refugees and asylum seekers has strained Belize's limited services.

Belize's refugee laws

Belize is a Central American country that has historically received refugees from neighbouring countries. In 2022, 4,130 refugees and asylum seekers were registered in Belize, mainly from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

To apply for refugee status in Belize, individuals must be physically present in the country and can present themselves to the Refugees Department, an immigration officer at any entry point, or a police officer, who will refer them to the Refugees Department. Applicants may be required to provide identification documents, evidence to support their claim, and complete a Refugee Status Application Form.

Refugees who are granted status in Belize have the right to work legally, receive a personal identification document, and have rights equivalent to permanent residents. Additionally, the Belizean government has launched initiatives such as the Amnesty Programme 2022, which offers permanent residency as a pathway to citizenship for refugees who meet specific requirements.

The impact of refugees on Belize's economy

Belize has long been a destination for refugees from neighbouring countries, and its economy has been impacted in various ways by refugee populations. The country's ethnic makeup has been significantly altered by refugee migration, and this has had a notable impact on Belize's culture and society.

Belize's economy is heavily dependent on external factors, particularly tourism, which accounts for a large portion of its GDP. While refugees have contributed to the development of the country, their presence has also placed strain on resources and services. The country's infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, has struggled to accommodate the influx of refugees, and this has resulted in challenges regarding integration and social cohesion.

The banana and sugar industries, which are significant contributors to Belize's economy, have relied on refugee labour. However, the working conditions in these industries have been criticised, with some arguing that the retention of passports and the requirement to pay for work permits amount to modern-day slavery.

Refugees have also contributed to the development of families and the national well-being of Belize. Many refugees have settled in rural areas, contributing to the diversification of farming activities and the development of new industries. The resettlement programs in the Cayo region, for example, have provided immigrants with the opportunity to acquire land and develop diverse farming activities.

Overall, the impact of refugees on Belize's economy is complex and multifaceted. While refugee labour has supported key industries, the country has also faced challenges in terms of integration, social cohesion, and the strain on resources. The impact of refugees on Belize's economy is likely to continue to evolve, particularly in light of ongoing regional conflicts and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The challenges of managing immigration in Belize

Belize is a country in Central America and the Caribbean, with a population of approximately 420,000. It is an emigrant-sending country and, at the same time, one of Central America's three main immigrant-receiving countries. The country has a rich ethnic and cultural diversity, with significant contributions from its diaspora. However, managing immigration in Belize poses several challenges for the government. Here are some key challenges:

High Emigration Rates and Brain Drain:

Belize has a high emigration rate, with around 16% of its population living abroad, primarily in the United States, Mexico, Canada, and other English-speaking Caribbean countries. This brain drain results in reduced capabilities, a limited workforce, and social disintegration in Belize. The country faces the challenge of engaging with its diaspora and providing necessary services to its citizens abroad and upon their return.

Integration and Social Cohesion:

Belize has experienced significant demographic shifts due to immigration. The country's main ethnic group used to be Black English-speaking Creoles, but now, over half of the population identifies as Mestizo or Latin. This shift has fueled anti-Latino sentiment and contributed to a hardline policy on refugees. The government's approach has created an atmosphere of fear among immigrants, with many living in constant fear of deportation.

Refugee and Asylum Management:

Belize has traditionally been a haven for refugees fleeing wars, crimes, and gangs in neighbouring countries such as El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. However, the country's refugee management system faces challenges. There is a lack of clarity and efficiency in the asylum process, with strict rules such as the 14-day application deadline, which is often difficult for traumatized and uninformed refugees to meet. Since the reopening of the asylum scheme, not a single applicant has been accepted, and many refugees remain in limbo, unable to work.

Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling:

Belize is a transit and destination country for human trafficking, especially for sexual exploitation. Migrants are vulnerable to trafficking due to their undocumented status and lack of work permits. While the government has taken steps to combat trafficking, there is a need for increased resources and effective investigations to address this challenge.

Territorial Disputes and Border Control:

Belize faces territorial disputes with Guatemala, and its borders with neighbouring countries are porous, with constant flows of undocumented migrants. While the government has border control measures in place, the challenge lies in effectively monitoring and managing these borders to curb illegal immigration and ensure the safety of those seeking refuge.

Economic Impact and Development:

Belize's economy relies heavily on external factors, particularly tourism and agricultural development, which are vulnerable to natural disasters. The influx of immigrants and refugees has put pressure on the country's resources and infrastructure. The government must balance its international obligations with the economic and social impact of immigration to ensure sustainable development and maintain political stability.

The role of NGOs in supporting refugees in Belize

Belize is a Central American country that has experienced migration flows since the 1980s. In the 1980s, varying degrees of civil unrest and conflict engulfed several Central American countries, including Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. As a result, tens of thousands of people fled their homes and sought refuge in Belize. In response, the Belizean government, in collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), took measures to ensure refugee protection.

• Help for Progress: This NGO assists asylum seekers financially and provides them with necessary information about their administrative and documentation requirements. They also helped the government in identifying and managing the refugee crisis in the 1990s.
• Humana People to People: They have several projects targeting the migrant community. Their 'Refugees and Asylum Seekers' project focuses on enhancing access to essential services, information, opportunities, and basic needs for asylum seekers in Bella Vista, San Isidro, and Trio Villages in the Toledo District.
• Human Rights Commission of Belize: Works with immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations to promote education and human rights in the country.
• Belize Red Cross: As part of the MIRPS (Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework), they collaborate with other organizations to support refugees and asylum seekers.
• Jesuit Refugee Service: Provides food for refugees and offers courses to parents to assist their children in building a community among migrant families.

These NGOs play a crucial role in filling gaps and providing essential support to refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable populations in Belize. They work closely with the government and international organizations like UNHCR and IOM to ensure that the basic needs of refugees are met and that they are integrated effectively into Belizean society.

Frequently asked questions