Belize and US sign ‘Safe Third Country Agreement’ allowing transfer of migrants

Belize and the United States have signed a “Safe Third Country Agreement” designed to expand cooperation on asylum processing and migration management — a decision that has already drawn criticism from opposition leaders in Belize.

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The agreement, signed by Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture and Immigration Hon. Francis Fonseca and Ms. Katharine Beamer, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Belize, outlines procedures for the examination of protection requests. It also reinforces both countries’ commitment to international law and humanitarian principles, according to a government press release.

Under the agreement, Belize “retains an absolute veto over transfers, with restrictions on nationalities, a cap on transferees, and comprehensive security screenings. No person who is deemed to be a threat to the public safety or national security will be allowed to enter or stay in Belize. Additionally, the United States may also provide, upon request, financial and technical assistance to enhance Belize’s migration and asylum management system.”

The deal will only take effect after Senate ratification and the establishment of operating procedures, and will remain in force for two years unless terminated earlier by either side.

The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs praised the signing on X, formerly Twitter, writing:

“Thank you to the Government of Belize for signing a Safe Third Country Agreement — an important milestone in ending illegal immigration, shutting down abuse of our nation’s asylum system, and reinforcing our shared commitment to tackling challenges in our hemisphere together.”

The deal closely resembles an agreement signed in August between the United States and Paraguay, which allows asylum seekers currently in the U.S. to pursue their protection claims in Paraguay — part of what U.S. officials described as a shared effort to manage illegal immigration and prevent abuse of the asylum system.

But not everyone is on board. Tracy Taegar Panton, an opposition leader in Belize’s parliament, sharply criticized the agreement, warning that it could “reshape Belize’s immigration and asylum systems, impose new financial burdens on taxpayers, and raise serious questions about national sovereignty and security.”

“Equally troubling are recent remarks from the President of the United States describing some migrants entering the U.S. as ‘the worst criminals.’ What then is the intent of transferring such individuals to Belize?” she wrote in a statement.

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“We must be clear: Belize is a compassionate and law-abiding nation. We believe in humanitarian principles. But compassion must never be confused with compliance at any cost. Belize cannot and must not be used as a dumping ground for individuals other countries refuse to accept. Our country’s sovereignty and the safety of our people cannot be compromised by external political pressures.

“Belize must never compromise its sovereignty, its values, or its people’s welfare for the sake of expedience. This is a time for clarity, accountability, and courage, not secrecy.”