Tag:
Ministry of Immigration
Government
Immigration Ministry removes Recommender requirement from passport applications
The Ministry of Immigration announced that, effective September 1, 2025, the Recommender section has been officially eliminated from the Belize passport application form. The adjustment is part of the government’s ongoing effort to streamline services, reduce fraud and corruption, and strengthen the integrity of the passport process.
Government
Amnesty Qualifying Criteria Extended
The qualifying criteria for Belize’s Amnesty Program, which aims to regularize the status of undocumented migrants, has been extended. Initially, the program only applied to individuals who had been residing in Belize up to 2016. The updated criteria now include individuals who can provide documentation showing they have lived in the country since December 31, 2019.
Government
Belize advances in integration of asylum-seekers
Seven asylum-seekers in Belize have been granted Permanent Residency Cards, officially recognizing their legal status in the country. The residency cards were distributed on 2 September during an Amnesty Ceremony at the University of Belize Conference Center in Belmopan City, Cayo District.
Government
Ministry of Immigration Convenes Mid-Term Meeting of the Regional Consultation Group on Migration
The Ministry of Immigration convened the Mid-Term Meeting of the Regional Consultation Group on Migration (RCGM) within the framework of the Regional Conference on Migration (RCM). This two-day conference has gathered Member States and International Organizations from across the region, including the USA and Canada, to enhance regional cooperation and improve migration governance.
Government
Hon. Francis Fonseca takes the role of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Honorable Francis Fonseca is now the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, adding to his Ministries of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology portfolio....
Community and Society
Upgrading the Belizean passport process results in increased fees
At a time in Belize, an adult could apply for a 10-year passport for as low as $50. Those days and commodities are long gone after the government introduced the new passport fees on April 1st, posting a regular passport for an adult at $200 and from $30 to $150 for minors. Following these new fees, the Ministry of Immigration explained the increase and listed the price rise for other passports.
Government
Amnesty program extended until February 2023
During the November 29th Cabinet meeting, the government approved a three-month extension of the registration period of the current Amnesty program. The program launched in August of this year allows eligible persons in Belize to regularize their immigration status and was to close on November 30th. With the three-month extension, those eligible for the program now have until February 2023.
Government
New Electronic Passport Issuance and Control System to be Launched
In October 2022, the Government of Belize through the Ministry of Immigration will launch a new application process for electronic passports through the Electronic Passport Issuance and Control System (e-PICS).