Belmopan, March 2, 2026.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), with funding from the European Union (EU), has officially handed over additional Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) equipment to Belize’s Ministry of Immigration, expanding support for Belize’s ongoing modernization of border management technology.
In this latest handover, IOM provided 4 switches, 60 passport readers, and 25 webcams, building on the earlier donation of equipment also funded by the European Union that included desktops, servers, and supporting MIDAS infrastructure to advance full, end-to-end deployment across points of entry. Together with the earlier deliveries, the value of the full MIDAS equipment package provided under this support totals BZD 458,266.11.
“Our work is constantly evolving, and we remain committed to improving how migration is managed in Belize. This equipment strengthens our operational capacity, and we appreciate the support of IOM and the European Union, through the Integrated Border Management project, in making these improvements possible,” said Mr. Lawrence Thompson, Director of Belize’s Department of Border Management and Immigration Services (DBMIS).
The automation of data collection processes allows for faster and more accurate information capture – alleviating the workload at points of entry and minimizing human errors. For travellers, this means smoother processing during peak times, stronger protection of personal data, and greater confidence in the integrity of border procedures.
This project is part of a broader initiative, funded by the EU and led by IOM, aimed at strengthening Belize’s Integrated Border Management (IBM) strategy. The objective is to address critical gaps in data management and processing, aligning Belize’s border governance with international best practices.
Mr Xavier Canton-Lamousse, Head of Office of the European Union Technical Support Office to Belize, highlighted that the EU “has developed significant experience in integrated border management among its 27 Member States and is pleased to collaborate with Belize to enhance its border management systems, deliver practical solutions, and promote innovation.”
In the coming months, IOM, thanks to continuous financial support by the EU, will further assist the Ministry of Immigration with system deployment and hands-on user training. IOM will also support the development of practical tools and procedures for sustainability needed to keep the upgraded MIDAS system running smoothly over time.
The donation received by the Ministry of Immigration today advances Belize’s push for modern, secure immigration services. It equips officers with dependable tools to protect data, strengthen border management, and ensure a smoother entry experience for Belizeans and visitors alike.
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For more information, please contact:
Idelki Familia,
Programme Officer,
International Organization for Migration Belize
ifamilia@iom.int
Tel: +501-223-9500
Elizabeth Lanzi Mazzocchini
Communication Coordinator,
Delegation of the European Union to Jamaica, Belize, and The Bahamas Elizabeth-Mary.LANZI-MAZZOCCHINI@eeas.europa.eu
Tel. +501 6149186
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