Belize has witnessed a significant milestone in regional integration as 45 Caribbean nationals have arrived in the country since the implementation of the CARICOM Free Movement Agreement. The agreement, which came into effect on October 1, 2025, allows citizens of Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to live, work, and travel freely within Belize. Over the past month, the majority of arrivals have been for short-term purposes such as business, tourism, sports, and diplomacy, while two individuals have opted to stay for employment opportunities. Barbados leads with 34 arrivals, followed by St. Vincent with eight and Dominica with three. Notably, one Dominican national, already employed in Belize prior to the agreement, has been granted indefinite residency. Belize’s Foreign Minister, Francis Fonseca, emphasized the country’s commitment to fostering regional ties, stating that the initiative promotes balanced mobility and economic growth. This development underscores the Caribbean’s efforts to enhance integration and create opportunities across the region.
