Belize Announces New Travel Entry Rules for Jamaicans and Haitians  

By Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer 

#Belize, April 13, 2023 – More than two thousand Haitians entered Belize between March of 2022 and April of 2023 and over than 1,900 of them disappeared leaving no trace and even though the numbers are significantly lower, Jamaicans who travelled to Belize are also nowhere to be found.

The Belize Government has responded by imposing visa and other restrictions on Jamaicans and Haitians entering the country.

It is believed that these disappearing individuals are crossing into Mexico in efforts to Illegally cross over into the US given that many have not left Belize through the northern, western, or southern border or any other appropriate exit point.

Belize utilised Article 226 (A) of the treaty of Chaugaraumas, the governing document for regional integration, to implement visa requirements for Haitians. The article allows CARICOM states to sidestep the ‘freedom of movement’ clause when there is need “to protect public morals or to maintain public order and safety.”

Jamaicans on the other hand were not given visa requirements. Instead, they will need to show proof of fully paid a non-refundable hotel reservation before boarding any aircraft to Belize.

Dr. Gilroy Middleton, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Immigration informed, the Minister of Immigration Eamon Courtenay will be working towards a subcommittee of Cabinet to look into the issue.

Though Middleton expressed that the aim is not to hinder Jamaicans or Haitians who want to come to enter Belize legitimately, there is criticism from human rights activists who are terming it as discrimination against Haitians and Jamaicans.

CARICOM has been informed of the decision by the Belizean.  As the situations unfolds, updates are expected to come through.