Belize Sees 45 Arrivals Since CARICOM’s Free Movement Began

It has been just over a month since Belize fully opened its borders to citizens of three other CARICOM countries. Those countries are Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

Since then, forty-five Caribbean nationals have arrived in Belize, using their new right to live, work, and travel freely under the regional agreement.

So far, most have come for short visits related to business, tourism, sports, or diplomacy, while two plan to remain in Belize for work. The largest group came from Barbados with 34 arrivals, followed by eight from St Vincent and three from Dominica. One Dominican national, who had already been working in Belize prior to the agreement taking effect, has now been granted an indefinite stay.

This marks a steady progression since the first CARICOM national arrived on October 1st. 

Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca stated that Belize remains committed to deepening its regional ties. “Free movement promotes balanced mobility and economic growth,” he told Parliament in October, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen both integration and opportunity across the Caribbean.