JAMAICA GLEANER- BELIZE has confirmed the transfer of eight individuals under its Examination of Protection Requests agreement with the United States, marking the first implementation of the arrangement commonly known as the Safe Third Country Agreement.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said the eight people arrived in Belize in July 2026, although it did not specify the date.
“In full conformity with the terms of the Agreement, eight individuals were transferred to Belize in July 2026 – the first transfers carried out under its provisions,” the ministry said.
The transfers were overseen jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Immigration, in line with procedures outlined in the agreement.
According to the government, all required reviews and clearances were completed before the transfers took place.
“Before the transfers took place, national authorities completed all required reviews and clearances through established national and international mechanisms, consistent with Belize’s due diligence process.”
Under the agreement, eligible third-country nationals seeking protection may be transferred from the United States to Belize on a case-by-case basis. The government said each request is assessed individually and that Belize retains the authority to accept or reject any proposed transfer.
“The Government of Belize reaffirms its commitment to implementing the Agreement in accordance with domestic law and its international obligations,” the ministry said.
Belize is among several CARICOM countries engaged in discussions with Washington regarding the acceptance of third-country nationals.
Earlier this month, Antigua and Barbuda’s parliament approved a resolution setting out the government’s negotiating principles for any such agreement with the United States.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne told legislators that his administration would not agree to accept criminals in exchange for preserving visa arrangements.
“If we were faced with an option of not taking criminals and to have visa restrictions, we’ll go for the visa restrictions, because accepting criminals will destroy our country,” Browne said.
He stressed, however, that negotiations with Washington had not included any requirement for Antigua and Barbuda to accept criminal offenders.
Browne said his government would consider accepting individuals whose only offence was a visa violation, particularly if they possess skills needed in the country, including nursing, specialist medical and construction expertise.
He also indicated that Antigua and Barbuda would seek up to US$75,000 in support for each third-country national it agrees to receive, arguing that the country’s high cost of living warrants greater assistance than that reportedly offered to other participating states.
Under the agreement, eligible thirdcountry nationals seeking protection may be transferred from the United States to Belize on a case-by-case basis. The government said each request is assessed individually and that Belize retains the authority to accept or reject any proposed transfer.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Belize receives first transfers under safe third country agreement.