Belmopan, July 30, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade confirms that the Agreement between Belize and the United States of America for Cooperation Regarding the Examination of Protection Requests, commonly known as the Safe Third Country Agreement, has begun operation. In full conformity with the terms of the Agreement, eight individuals were transferred to Belize in July 2026 — the first transfers carried out under its provisions.
The transfers were overseen jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Immigration, in accordance with the procedures set out in the Agreement. Before the transfers took place, national authorities completed all required reviews and clearances through established national and international mechanisms, consistent with Belize’s due diligence process.
Under the Agreement, eligible third-country nationals seeking protection may be transferred from the United States to Belize on a case-by-case basis. Each proposed transfer is reviewed individually, and the Government of Belize retains full discretion to accept or decline any request.
The Government of Belize reaffirms its commitment to implementing the Agreement in accordance with domestic law and its international obligations.
ENDS
