In Belize, the application for asylum (to be recognized as a refugee) must be applied directly with the Refugee Department in the city of Belmopan.
Fill Out the Form: Complete the form provided at the Refugee Department. Remember to notify them immediately if your address or phone number changes during the process.
Submit Your Documents and Evidence: Provide all required documents along with any additional evidence that supports your claim.
- Required Documents: Include identification such as your passport, unique identity document (DUI), birth certificate, marriage certificate, and any necessary authorizations for minors.
- Supporting Evidence: Submit any other evidence that explains the circumstances that forced you to leave your home country. If you are unable to provide a required document, please explain why it is unavailable.
Interviews: You and members of your household will participate in at least one interview with an eligibility officer from the Refugee Department. During the interview, the officer will ask you detailed questions about the events that compelled you to leave your home country.
Asylum slip or stamp At the registration point with the Refugee Department, you and each family member will receive a provisional document confirming your status as an asylum seeker and granting you temporary legal stay in the country.
While your asylum application is being processed, you must return every three months to the Refugee Department in Belmopan to renew this document. With it, you can travel freely within the country.
What happens after applying for asylum?
You and members of your household will participate in at least one interview with an eligibility officer from the Refugee Department. During the interview, the officer will ask you detailed questions about the events that compelled you to leave your home country.
After your interview with the Refugee Department, an eligibility officer will prepare a detailed evaluation of your case, including all the circumstances that led you to seek protection. This evaluation is then sent to the Refugee Eligibility Committee, where each member reviews your application and casts a vote on whether you should be recognized as a refugee.
Once the committee reaches a recommendation, it is forwarded to the Minister of Immigration, who makes the final decision on your status. Please note that this entire process can take some time to complete.
Appeal in case of a negative decision
If you wish to file a written appeal with the Ministry of Immigration, contact the Human Rights Commission of Belize (HRCB) for legal assistance. You must submit your appeal within 14 days of receiving a negative decision.
The Ministry will then review your case and issue a final decision. If the decision remains negative, you can ask about the possibility of regularizing your status under a different migration category through the Immigration Department. However, if no alternative immigration options are available, you may face deportation to your home country.