An Expansion of the Migrant Hubs

Today, the International Office of Migration in Belize signed an implementation agreement with three local partners to expand the I.O.M.’s Migrant Hubs in three locations.  The hubs are being supported to provide more services to migrants to improve their access to information and other services.  According to the I.O.M., translation services, assistance with application forms and other deliverables will help to reduce barriers for migrants and help to facilitate a safe and orderly migration process through the expansion of the Belmopan hub and the launch of the San Ignacio and Bella Vista funds.  The programme started back in 2018 when the United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of State, funded the programme so that migrants can access the services free of cost. Here’s more from Diana Locke, the Head of the I.O.M. Office in Belize.

Diana Locke

Diana Locke, Head, IOM Belize Office

“Having inaugurated our first hub in Belize with C.D.F. in 2018, and seeing the success of this activity, I.O.M., through the sponsorship of the US Government, USAID and PRL is now able to sign implementation agreements with partners to partner with Child Development Foundation, Belize Red Cross, Humana People to People to operate migrant hubs through which information will be shared and help to create a safe space on accurate information on regular migration procedures. We will also go a step further to provide services for migrants who qualify for regularization and a system in transitioning from irregular states to a regular status in the country. The migrant hubs will also provide assistance and referral support to Belizean returnees enabling them to reintegrate into life and work in Belize. We are certain that through these migrant hubs, I.O.M. and you, our implementing partners, will be able to assist migrants in overcoming the language and knowledge hurdles to comply with immigration and other procedures enabling them to remain and work in a regular status in Belize.”