Immigration Warning: Don’t go to Botes, La Union

And on this upcoming Labour Day weekend, Belizeans are expected to cross border points. Neighboring Mexican communities, including Botes and La Union, are hotspots for the illicit movement of uncustomed goods.  On an almost daily basis, dozens, if not hundreds of Belizeans, cross over illegally to these locations to purchase groceries and other household items.  Because these border communities are not authorized points of entry, the importing of goods into the country is labelled as contraband.  While the Customs and Excise Department has been attempting to curb the activity, the Immigration and Nationality Department is closely following suit as it has issued a public notice citing portions of the Immigration Act which state that, “No Person Shall Enter Belize Elsewhere than at an Approved Port or Place of Entry.” Likewise, “No Person Shall Leave Belize Elsewhere than Through an Approved Port or Place of Departure.” The Immigration Department says that it will enforce the law in respect of these and other areas.