Belize advances the integration of asylum-seekers

The Residency Cards were issued through the Belize Amnesty Program, which provides asylum-seekers and irregular migrants with an alternative pathway to permanent residency. The Program's registration phase concluded on 31 March 2023, yielding 12,765 applications, including 737 under asylum-seeker criteria. Since then, close to 400 asylum-seekers have received Residency Cards as the Government processes the applications and finalizes approvals. 

“UNHCR commends the Government of Belize for its regional leadership in addressing forced displacement and providing durable solutions," said José Samaniego, UNHCR Regional Director for the Americas. "With their new permanent residency, asylum-seekers—who viewed Belize as a place to rebuild their lives—can now fully integrate and contribute to the country’s vibrant and diverse society.” Mr Samaniego and José Egas, Representative for UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office covering Aruba, Belize, Cuba, Curacao, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, & Trinidad & Tobago, attended the Amnesty Ceremony.

The UNHCR Regional Director and the Multi-Country Office Representative were in Belize on a four-day visit that included meetings with the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, CEO of the Ministry of Immigration, Director of Refugees Department, MIRPS National Technical Team, Diplomatic Corps, UNCT, Refugee organizations, and UNHCR partners.

UNHCR has partnered with the Government of Belize to support refugees and asylum-seekers since the 1980s. The Amnesty marks a significant step in protecting and stabilizing vulnerable populations.

For more information, contact:
Misty Marin - Senior MIRPS Assistant, at marin@unhcr.org.
Benedetta Pignatti – External Relations Officer, at pignattib@unhcr.org