Seven Receive Permanent Residence Cards as Amnesty Program Continues

Seven individuals received their Belize Permanent Residence Cards yesterday under the nation’s Amnesty Program bringing the total to 375 cards issued to date. This milestone was approved through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Immigration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). CEO of the Ministry of Immigration, Tanya Santos, elaborated on the inclusive strategy aimed at helping those living in the country without proper documentation.

Tanya Santos, CEO, Ministry of Immigration: “These permanent resident cards that you will be receiving shortly are not just a document that verifies your full recognition as residents of this beautiful country. These cards also represent your resilience, your courage, and your enduring hope for a better future in this country that so many others before you have made their home. For many of you, this day represents the end of a long and challenging road as asylum seekers and refugees. Unlike immigrants who choose to settle here after evaluating their options, opportunities, and challenges, your journey was marked by uncertainty and fear as you abruptly left your homes in search of safety, security, and protection. Many of you arrived years ago in times when our country ignored your situation, or where talks of providing protection and amnesty were at the inception. This amnesty envisioned your place in building the nation. In recognizing you as permanent residents, we continue our government’s commitment to ensuring a safe society, justice for all, and family well-being.”

The Amnesty Program represents not only a legal opportunity for those in need but also a recognition of the human side of migration issues. Director of the Regional Bureau of the Americas (UNHCR), Jose Samaniego, underscored the importance of the initiative.

Jose Samaniego, Director, Regional Bureau Americas UNHCR: “These commitments date back to the early 80s when the government of Belize received thousands of refugees from Central America who were fleeing from civil wars. Some years ago, I had the opportunity to visit some Salvadorian families in the Valley of Peace and it is really one of the best example of successful integration. For these Salvadorian families, Belize has undoubtedly become a safe haven that they call home, a place of opportunities and of new beginnings. UNHCR was very honored to support this program together with other UN agencies. The Amnesty Program will also be one of the main highlights of the upcoming regional events that we will have in the coming months within the framework of the MIRPS in December, but also the Cartagena Process and the LA Declaration. Today, we would also like to reaffirm our full commitment to continue working with the government in the process of socioeconomic integration of these families in their host communities.”

So far, 370 individuals have been approved for permanent residency under this program.