Free Movement Nears Reality as Belize Tables CARICOM Mobility Legislation

The Briceño administration is moving full steam ahead with new legislation that puts real teeth into a major free‑movement deal among four CARICOM nations. Come October first, 2025, citizens of Belize, Barbados, Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will be able to pack their bags and freely live, work, and build their futures in any one of these countries, no special permits required. The bill brought to the House on Friday makes that historic agreement official. It lays out exactly how the arrangement will work and clarifies the rights and opportunities residents can expect once the borders open for movement across the block.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“This bill provides a clear legal framework in which Belize will continue to manage, the entry, stay, and participation of CARICOM nationals. It offers clarity for Belizeans, certainty for institutions and consistency in the administration of free movement, formalizing arrangements that were already operational, but not yet codified in law. This bill is the culmination of a regional decision at the 49^th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in July last year. Official report shows that eighty three CARICOM nationals have entered under the free movement framework. These entrants have primarily been business persons, athletes and short term visitors. Of these only two persons are currently residing in Belize under indefinite stay, demonstrating that the regime operates as intended without placing pressure on public service and public order.”