No Student Visa and Skills Certificate Required

So, how will the full free movement work for Belizeans seeking jobs or education in any of the participating countries? Will a student visa or skills certificate still be required? And what kind of access will Belizeans have to education, healthcare and social services? We asked Deputy Director Gideon.

 

Tricia Gideon, Deputy Director General, Foreign Trade

“No, if you want to go to Barbados, Saint Vincent or Dominica, you do not need a student visa, you do not need a skills certificate. However, you are free to apply for a skills certificate if you choose to in Belize and we will not stop you, because not all member states have joined this process and you may need one to go to Jamaica, Trinidad or Guyana.”

 

Paul Lopez

“And what kinds of access will Belizeans have to education, healthcare and other social services in these countries?”

 

Tricia Gideon

“We go back to the decision in July, which was very clear that nations would have access to primary and secondary healthcare and primary and secondary education. If you are choosing to come to Belize and live and similar member states, you must bring, so I want to enroll my child into school, you need to ensure you have the proper documentations like a report card, transcripts, learning outcomes from their class, so that they can be placed properly and they will be treated just like a Belizean. Healthcare we asked that you bring your medical records with you, so that the transition is seamless and the provision of your healthcare services can continue and you are fully informed, until we can go back to the table and address how to share information among member states.”