127 Immigration Officers Trained to Improve Belize’s Borders

A total of 127 Immigration Officers have received specialised training on Belize’s border management system as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union work to strengthen Belize’s border operations.

The training focused on the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS), which is used to collect and manage information on people entering and leaving Belize.

The initiative builds on earlier upgrades to the system and includes new guidelines to help border agencies collect and use information consistently.

Idelki Familia, Programme Officer with IOM Belize, said the training focused on helping officers properly use MIDAS and accurately collect border information.

“We are conducting a series of trainings where we are expecting that immigration officers are going to be trained on how to properly use the system and how to properly collect information that is going to actually benefit all.”

MIDAS is used at entry and exit points to check travellers’ information against Belize’s requirements for entry. Immigration also uses the system to search travel records for people applying to extend their stay, residency or citizenship.

The latest phase of the IOM-EU initiative also provided $208,400.50 in equipment to agencies involved in border management and emergency operations.

The equipment includes off-road vehicles for operations in remote areas, handheld radios and a signal repeater to improve communications in southern Belize, as well as portable stoves for personnel working in remote locations.

The project, funded by the European Union and implemented by IOM, is intended to support the Government of Belize in improving coordination, technology, and operational capacity across Belize’s border management system.