How to apply for asylum in Belize

Belize is a Central American country in the Caribbean Sea. The country has an area of ​​22,970 km² (8,869 mi²) and a total coastline of 386 km (239.8 mi). This area of ​​land is approximately 91% of the area of ​​Maryland. Belize is thus the 26th largest country in the Americas and ranks 152nd in the world. Only slightly Less than half of all residents (46%) live in cities.

Belize is home to more than 2,000 refugees and asylum seekers, and an additional 3,000 people may need international protection. 1,051 people benefited from UN joint cellular centers in three participating communities, and 319 benefited from community development. and security-related activities for all the various communities involved during the reporting period. 327 refugees and asylum seekers received necessities in February and March.

How to apply for asylum in Belize?

Asylum procedures take place at the UNHCR Office in Algiers. The asylum seekers can reach to the UNHCR office for their initial asylum claim in Belize.

Registration interview

Upon receipt of your asylum application, UNHCR will contact you to inform you of your registration appointment. The appointment will then be confirmed via SMS. During the registration process, UNHCR staff will ask you specific questions and register your details. After that, staff will take your fingerprints, your iris data (eye photo), and your ID photo.

The information collected is always very confidential.

Documents issued

UNHCR will provide you with an asylum certificate for you and your beneficiaries. You should always keep the original of this document with you and come to UNHCR for updates when you expire.

Renewal of documents

You can come to the UNHCR office to have your documents renewed before the expiration date of the document. All the renewal of documents is processed daily from 09h to 13h. Everyone who comes after 13h will not be welcome and must come for renewal one day.

Refugee Status Interview

After registering, UNHCR will contact you to obtain an interview to determine the status of refugees. During this discussion with UNHCR staff, you will be asked to provide details about the reasons and conditions for leaving your country. At the end of this interview, staff will give you an appointment to be informed of the decision regarding your asylum application.

Notice of decision

If the decision agrees you will be recognized as a refugee and the refugee card will be delivered to you and your dependents. If the decision is negative (your application is rejected), UNHCR will explain the reasons and the procedure for lodging a complaint. Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days by fax to 023 05 28 52 or by email to algalrega@unhcr.org. If you do not file a complaint during this delay, your file will be closed.

Your complaint will be considered and you will be notified of the final decision. This decision may give you the status of a refugee or confirm the rejection of your application. If your request is rejected during the review, your file will be closed.

Case closure

UNHCR may close your file for the following reasons:

If you want to seek refuge in Belize, you can contact the UNHCR or the International Rescue Committee. These two organizations are among the most well-functioning in Belize, providing direct assistance to refugees and asylum seekers.

Refugees Department

The Department of Refugees is the government department in charge of receiving and processing asylum claims in Belize. The Refugee Act, Chapter 165 of Belize’s legislation, requires the Department of Refugees to receive and handle applications from anyone who comes to the office seeking asylum.

Those who fit the criteria are given a registration process and temporary legal status by the Refugee Department, which permits them to stay in Belize from the moment of registration until their case is decided.

Tel .: (501) 822-3212

E-mail: Rd.Eligibility@ins.gov.bz 

Address: 3894 Mountain View Boulevard, City of Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize

Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5pm Friday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm

UNHCR Office (UNHCR)

Ayuda para Progreso (HFP) is a non-governmental organization that assists the UNHCR in finding protection and solutions for asylum seekers. Since 1999, HFP has collaborated with UNHCR Belize.

You can get information about the asylum process or legal advice at the HFP office. With certain criteria, certain persons can also get temporary humanitarian relief in the form of food, rent, medical care, and education.

You can contact Ayuda para Progreso / Help for Progress if you have any queries about the process or if you have any special needs.

Tel .: (501) 822-0101; (501) 802-2371

E-mail: helpforprogressbz@gmail.com

Website: http://www.helpforprogressbz.com/contact.html

Address: # 2 Slim Lane, City of Belmopan, Cayo District, Belize

Hours: Monday to Thursday : 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5pm Friday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm