Belize Amnesty Program (2022-2023)
In December 2021, the Government of Belize announced the implementation of a comprehensive amnesty exercise scheduled for 2022-2023. The Belize Amnesty Program 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.
The Program has been divided in two phases; the first is the Registration Process, which consists of the opening of 19 registration offices countrywide for 6 months to present the application forms and support documentation. This process started in October 2022, and was extended to 31 March 2023.
The second phase will consist of a 6-month Vetting Period during which a proposed multisectoral Vetting Committee will review all submitted applications for final decision.
Location
Belize (Country-wide)
Duration
1 October 2022 to 31 August 2023
Results
As of 31 March 2023, 12,765 applications were received.
During the first phase of the Amnesty Program, UNHCR and its implementing partners have supported:
- 2,587 people reached with key information about the Amnesty process.
- 1,504 people assisted by UNHCR and partners with legal guidance related to the Amnesty process.
- 233 asylum-seekers assisted financially to complete Amnesty applications.
- 921 asylum-seekers supported to complete Amnesty applications.
Even though the application to the Amnesty has no fee, the cost of preparation of the files for each applicant was about 150 USD. UNHCR, in coordination with its implementing partners supported 504 individuals from the most vulnerable asylum seekers to cover these costs.
Once the Vetting Period is over, applicants who benefit from the Amnesty will be required to cover the costs of permanent residence issuance (USD 250 per adult and USD 125 per child). In this regard, UNHCR is prepared to provide further assistance to the most vulnerable asylum seekers to cover these costs.
Linked MIRPS Commitment
Provide access to employment opportunities in priority sectors of the economy to respond to the needs of the private sector and labour market.
Lead Entity and Partners
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration though the Ministry of Immigration.
Partners: UNHCR, Humana People to People, Help for Progress, Human Rights Commission of Belize, UNICEF, IOM.