History Made: First CARICOM National granted indefinite stay in Belize

The Directorate General for Foreign Trade (DGFT), Belize, has announced the first CARICOM national to be granted Indefinite Stay under the new CARICOM Free Movement of Persons Agreement.

The recipient, a national of Barbados, now has the right to live and work in Belize without restrictions.

The DGFT post highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating that the stamp “opens the door for citizens of our partner nations to live and work here freely, building a stronger, more connected Caribbean community!”

The post concluded with a warm welcome: “Welcome home!”

This development coincides with the full implementation of free movement among four CARICOM states—Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—starting October 1, 2025.

Nationals of these countries will no longer be limited to temporary six-month entry or entry under the CARICOM skills regime.

They can now live and work indefinitely, with access to emergency and primary healthcare, and public primary and secondary education for their children.

The decision was endorsed by CARICOM Heads of Government during their July 2025 meeting and falls under the Enhanced Cooperation Protocol of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

The protocol allows groups of at least three Member States to deepen integration ahead of others, with the option for additional countries to join later.

Officials said extensive preparations have been made for the rollout. Nationals arriving in participating states will receive an indefinite stay stamp or digital record.

Systems are also in place for registration, enabling access to services while assisting national agencies in planning for increased demand.

Safeguards are in place to deny or remove entry to persons who may pose a security or public health risk or who could become a public burden.

Oversight will be supported by the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), which manages regional security cooperation and the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS).

Nationals experiencing difficulties at ports of entry or after arrival can utilise the CARICOM Complaints Procedure under the CSME, with complaints reviewed within two weeks and investigations concluded within eight weeks where necessary.

For CARICOM states participating in the CSME but not yet implementing full free movement, the existing system for skilled workers, service provision, and business operations remains in place.