Data on Migrants in Belize Dating Back to 2010 Finally Analyzed

Romaldo Isaac Lewis

This morning, the Statistical Institute of Belize and the International Organization for Migration held a press conference to present the findings of a Migration Study using data from 2010.  Although this is over a decade old, it was never analyzed.  It will serve as a baseline for the upcoming census.  Among the findings: over forty-one thousand migrants called Belize their home in 2010. Foreign born migrants accounted for fifteen percent of Belize’s population.   A rough estimate for today’s figures suggests that the migrant population in Belize has grown to over sixty thousand.  Data also shows that Belize has seen the greatest population growth in the region over the last decade. 

Dr. Romaldo Isaac Lewis, Migration Study Presenter

“According to the IOM, most people who migrate to other countries do so for work related reasons, family and studies. Others leave their countries for compelling and tragic reasons such as conflict and persecution, or disaster. Although displaced people such as refugees and internal displaced persons represent a relatively low percentage of all migrants, they are usually most in need of assistance and support.   The information shows that forty-nine thousand eight hundred and nineteen was the migrant population in 2010. Of that population base, we must say, thirty one point one lived in the Cayo District; and eight point two percent lived in the Corozal District.  By sex, we can say that during 1980 to 1999 there were more females than males migrating to Belize. Before 1980 and after 1999, there were more male who migrated to Belize. By age group, among foreign born, persons forty five and younger, there were more female and male. Among persons forty five and older, there were more males than females. In regards to the dwelling type, the most uncommon dwelling, regardless of country of birth was undivided private house. Foreign born persons were most likely to live in barracks– two point eight percent, compared to persons born in Belize, zero point three percent. Among the foreign born population, persons born in China made up almost one third, lived at their own business, which they call dwelling.”