The Belize Government, along with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), have launched what's called a Mobile Migrant Hub.
They say it is a collaboration to look after migrants in Belize who may be afraid to regularize their immigration status out of fear of being prosecuted or deported.
Now, with so much pressure on the US Mexico border with Central American migrants heading north - is this a way to maybe divert them to Belize?
The prepared press materials did not address that question when the organizers spoke with an organization known as Southern Belize Media. With their help, we bring you a few comments explaining these migrant hubs:
Keith Gilges - Charge d'Affaires, United States Embassy
"Migration is a complex issue. What's great about this program is in so many ways, it's saying, 'You are entitled to certain services. There are things that you can get. You just need a little help figuring out what may seem like a not-complex process.' But, for somebody going through it for the first time, who doesn't know all the rights and wrongs of what they're doing, to have some help from folks that do know makes a huge difference."
Hon. Oscar Requena - PUP Area Rep., Toledo West
"We stand ready with whatever support is requested. We're very grateful to our local leaders, the village alcaldes, the chairmen, who helped to support the process."
Diana Locke - Head of Office, IOM Belize
"We've already covered Bella Vista, Valley of Peace, and Benque. We will be going to Placencia, I think, in May. We'll be doing San Pedro, Belize City, Orange Walk, Corozal, and Dangriga. So, by August, we should have covered the entire country."
Keith Gilges
"The message we want people to take from this event today is this is a safe space. If you have been irregular for a while, if you're not sure what you qualify for, this is the place to come, to get the information you need to understand what the process is. And it can be complex; it can be difficult, but come here and ask those questions. This is a safe place to find out what you're eligible for, and if you are entitled to a passport, to other things, this is the place you can get it."
At this time, a 2-day Mobile Migrant Hub is planned for Placencia on May 15th and 16th. Then, the organizations will travel to Corozal on June 12th for another. On June 13th, they will visit Orange Walk. On June 26th, they head to San Pedro. Then, on July 17th, they will set up in Belize City. And finally, on August 14th, the migrant hub will go to Dangriga.
In other migration news, the UN Refugee Agency, known as UNHCR, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness are announcing that asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants living in Belize can receive the COVID-19vaccine.
When it is his or her turn, a migrant will be able to visit the nearest vaccination site. He or she will have to bring an identification card which states his or her name. Identification cards issued by the migrant's country of birth or those issued in Belize will be accepted.
