U.S. Bill Threatens Belize’s BPO Boom

A new bill making its way through the U.S. Senate could spell trouble for Belize’s thriving BPO sector. It’s called the Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025, and if passed, it could make it harder, and costlier, for U.S. companies to outsource call center jobs overseas. The bipartisan bill, introduced by Senators Ruben Gallego and Jim Justice, is designed to keep more customer service jobs on American soil. It would require companies to give the U.S. Department of Labor a heads-up, one hundred and twenty days in advance, before shifting operations abroad. And that’s just the start. Businesses that do outsource could end up on a public list and lose access to federal grants and loans. Plus, any call center work tied to U.S. government contracts would have to be done in the States, and agents would need to disclose their location and whether they’re using AI. That’s a big deal for Belize, where the BPO industry has become a major economic driver. With over sixteen thousand people employed and an estimated one hundred and fifty million US dollars in annual salaries, the sector has been booming, thanks to Belize’s English-speaking workforce, cost-effective services, and cultural alignment with North America. But now, industry insiders are warning that the proposed legislation could slow things down. If U.S. companies start pulling back to avoid penalties, Belize could see fewer jobs and less investment in the sector. Still, there’s room for optimism. Experts say this could be a turning point for Belize to diversify its client base beyond the U.S., explore new service areas, and invest even more in workforce training to stay competitive in a changing global market.