Belize Reviewing U.S. ‘Safe Third Country’ Request

Belize is reviewing a request from the United States to become a “Safe Third Country,” meaning asylum seekers heading to the U.S. could instead be sent to Belize to apply for protection here and stay while their cases are processed.

Belize has not agreed to the proposal and is currently reviewing draft documents provided by the U.S. government.

Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca confirmed it on Thursday, stating, “They have raised it with us as a government. They have provided us with some draft documents. We are reviewing those documents. We are vetting them through our attorney general’s ministry.”

He added that the matter will only proceed to Cabinet if the Prime Minister deems it appropriate. He said that Belize is not being forced into anything. “They have been very respectful in the process.”

Fonseca added, “They have a friend in Belize. They are our largest trading partner. We cooperate on many, many important areas of mutual concern, especially security issues. So, I have no concern about that.”