Refugees
Who is a Refugee?
A refugee is a person who has been forced to flee his/her country in search of safety in another country. This involuntary displacement is due to serious violations of their human rights.
Who can Apply?
Individuals who are not citizens of Belize, and are in need of international protection, may apply for refugee status. This includes children who are not accompanied by a family member.
Where to Apply?
A person wishing to apply for refugee status must be in Belize and may present him/herself:
- directly to the Refugees Department in Belmopan
- to an immigration officer at any entry point or other location in Belize, who shall refer you to the Refugees Department
- to a police officer at a check point or other location in Belize, who shall refer you to the Refugees Department
- to the Benque Viejo Resource Information Center, who will refer you to the Refugees Department, Belmopan
Refugees Department
14 Orchid Garden St.
Belmopan City,
Cayo District,
Belize, C.A.
WhatsApp Number: + (501) 610-5173
Email: refugees.department@immigration.gov.bz
Benque office address:
Benque Viejo Resource Information Center
26 George Price Blvd.,
Benque Viejo Town, Cayo,
Phone number: + (501) 609-8501
How to Apply?
A person wishing to apply for refugee status must do so in person at the Refugees Department.
Documents that may be presented
A person wishing to apply for refugee status may present the following the Refugees Department (if available):
- Identification (passport, nationality identification card, other photo identification)
- birth certificate
- evidence to support his/her claim for refugees status
If you have committed a serious crime, it could prevent you from being eligible for refugee status.
No! You are not allowed to exit Belize while your application is in process.
You are not allowed to work while your refugee status application is being processed.
Yes! They have the right to attend school.
First, you must be in Belize. Second, you must present yourself to the Refugees Department.
There is no defined time because each case is different.
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National ID
Passport
Birth certificate
Supporting documents
(The documents are not mandatory but are highly recommended.)
Yes! It will be kept strictly confidential and protected by Belizean law. It will only be used to evaluate your asylum application.