The Refugee Application Process In Belize: A Comprehensive Guide

Belize is a Central American country that has historically been a destination for refugees fleeing wars, crimes, and gang-related violence from neighbouring countries. The country offers public health, education, and legal services to refugees, and has integrated them into their society. To apply for refugee status in Belize, you must be physically present in the country and apply in person at the Refugees Department in Belmopan or through an immigration officer or police officer at any entry point. You may be required to provide identification, evidence to support your claim, and a completed Refugee Status Application Form. Belize's refugee laws are outlined in the Belize Refugees Act Chapter 165 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011.

Eligibility criteria for refugees

To be eligible for refugee status in Belize, an applicant must be physically present in the country. They must be able to demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin due to their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. Alternatively, they must be from a country where external aggression, occupation, foreign domination, or events seriously disturbing public order compel them to seek refuge elsewhere.

Belize's Refugee Act, Chapter 165 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, does not distinguish between asylum seekers and refugees. All applicants are treated as potential refugees. The Belizean government works with the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, to process applications. The government also provides public health, education, and legal services to refugees.

To apply for refugee status, an applicant must present themselves in person at the Refugees Department in Belmopan or to an immigration or police officer at any entry point or other location in Belize, who will refer them to the Refugees Department. Applicants may be asked to provide identification (such as a passport, nationality identification card, or other photo identification) and evidence to support their claim for refugee status. They must also fill out a Refugee Status Application Form.

Belize is one of Central America's three main immigrant-receiving countries and has a rich ethnic and cultural diversity. Historically, refugees have come to Belize from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, fleeing wars, crimes, and gangs.

Where to apply

To apply for refugee status in Belize, you must be physically present in the country. You can present yourself directly at the Refugees Department in Belmopan, the capital city of Belize. Alternatively, you may approach an immigration officer or a police officer at any entry point, checkpoint, or other locations within Belize, and they will refer you to the Refugees Department.

The contact details for the Refugees Department are as follows:

• Telephone: + (501) 822-3212
• Email: [email protected]

The application process requires you to be in Belize and apply in person at the Refugees Department. You cannot apply for refugee status in Belize from outside the country.

Belize has a dedicated Refugees Department that manages the refugee application process. This department operates under the Ministry of Immigration and works in collaboration with international organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Organization of American States (OAS).

The Refugees Department is responsible for the registration and processing of asylum cases in Belize. They assess and determine refugee status, following the guidelines set out in the Belize Refugees Act, Chapter 165 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011.

Belize has a history of welcoming refugees, primarily from neighbouring countries such as El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. The country has integrated them into their society and provided essential services like public health, education, and legal assistance.

Belize is also an active participant in regional initiatives to address forced displacement, such as the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS), which includes collaboration with other Central American countries and Mexico.

Required documents

To apply for refugee status in Belize, you must be physically in Belize and submit your application in person at the Refugees Department in Belmopan. You can also present yourself to an immigration officer or a police officer at any entry point or other location in Belize, and they will refer you to the Refugees Department.

When applying for refugee status in Belize, you may be asked to present the following documents to the Refugees Department:

• Identification: This can include a passport, nationality identification card, or other photo identification.
• Evidence to support your claim for refugee status: You should provide any relevant information or documentation that supports your application and demonstrates that you meet the criteria for refugee status. This may include evidence of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution due to your race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.
• Refugee Status Application Form: Ensure that you have completed the necessary application form for refugee status.
• Valid Passport: If you are seeking employment in Belize while awaiting the outcome of your refugee application, you will need to apply for a Temporary Employment Permit. A valid passport is required for this process.
• Proof of Address in Belize: As part of your application for refugee status, you may be asked to provide proof of your current address in Belize. This can be in the form of a rental agreement, utility bills, or any other official correspondence.
• Medical Records: While not specifically mentioned, it is generally advisable to carry your medical records, especially vaccination records, when travelling to a new country.
• Birth and Marriage Certificates: These documents may be required, especially if you are applying for refugee status as a family unit.
• Travel Documents: Keep records of your travel to Belize, such as tickets or boarding passes, as they may be requested during your application process.
• Evidence of Persecution or Fear of Persecution: As mentioned earlier, providing evidence or supporting documents that demonstrate your fear of persecution in your home country is crucial to your application. This can include police reports, court documents, media reports, or any other relevant information.
• Translations: If your documents are not in English, consider having them translated by a certified translator.

Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and it is always advisable to contact the Refugees Department or seek legal advice to ensure you have all the required documents for your specific situation.

Application process

To apply for refugee status in Belize, you must be physically in the country. You can then present yourself in person to the Refugees Department in Belmopan, an immigration officer or a police officer at any entry point or other location in Belize, who will refer you to the Refugees Department. The contact details for the Refugees Department are as follows:

Tel: + (501) 822-3212

Email: [email protected]

When applying for refugee status, you may present the following documents to the Refugees Department:

• Identification (passport, nationality identification card, other photo identification)
• Evidence to support your claim for refugee status
• Refugee Status Application Form

Belize defines a refugee as someone who:

• Has a well-founded fear of being persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion
• Is outside of their country of nationality
• Is unable or unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of their country due to such fear

Alternatively, a refugee can be someone who:

• Is from a country where external aggression, occupation, foreign domination or events seriously disturbing public order exist
• Is compelled to leave their country and seek refuge in another place outside of that country

Belize's Refugee Act, Chapter 165 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, does not recognise legal asylum status. Instead, the country treats all asylum seekers as potential refugees, with courts and executive offices using refugee procedures to cover refugees and asylum seekers.

Belize is committed to a comprehensive refugee response and has been improving standard operating procedures for the identification, reception and referral of refugees. The country is also upgrading the quality of refugee status determination processes.

Belize has also joined the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS), a regional initiative that brings together Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Mexico. With the support of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the UNHCR, this initiative aims to design and implement a joint response to forced displacement in the region.

Benefits and rights of refugees in Belize

Belize is a constitutional parliamentary democracy that has committed to providing protection and assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, and other persons of concern. The country has a rich ethnic and cultural diversity, with significant contributions from its diaspora. Here are the benefits and rights enjoyed by refugees in Belize:

• Right to Seek Asylum: Belize's Refugee Act, Chapter 165 of the Substantive Laws, allows individuals within the country to apply for refugee status. The government does not recognize a legal status of "asylum" but treats all applicants as potential refugees.
• Protection from Forced Return: Refugees and asylum seekers in Belize have the right not to be expelled or returned to their country of origin. They cannot be sanctioned for their irregular entry or presence in the country.
• Freedom of Movement: Refugees are allowed to remain and move freely within Belize while their asylum application is being processed.
• Access to Basic Services: Refugees and asylum seekers can access public health, education, and legal services. However, the government does not generally provide assistance with housing or food, except in extreme cases involving children and pregnant women.
• Work Permits: Persons with refugee status can work legally in Belize. They also have the right to family reunification and can receive personal identification documents.
• Path to Citizenship: Belize's Amnesty Programme 2022 offers permanent residency to qualifying refugees and asylum seekers, providing a pathway to citizenship after five years.
• Integration Support: The government aims to integrate refugees into Belizean society. Refugees can benefit from language training and skills development opportunities to enhance their self-reliance and facilitate their inclusion in the labor force.
• International Support: Belize collaborates with international organizations like the UNHCR, IOM, and UNICEF to support refugees and asylum seekers. These organizations provide essential services, including shelter, clothing, food, and legal assistance.
• Human Rights Protections: Refugees in Belize are protected by national laws and international human rights instruments. The country's legislation recognizes the rights and freedoms of refugees, including protection from arbitrary deprivation of life, torture, and other forms of cruel treatment.
• Access to Information: Refugees have access to information about their rights and the asylum process through organizations like the UNHCR, which maintains a resource center near the western border.

Frequently asked questions