Belizeans Receive Passports Under Government Initiative to Attract Nationals in the Diaspora

TEXAS – More than 300 Belizeans residing in the United States have been given Belizean passports after claiming their birthright during a “PassBack” ceremony organised by the Belize government.

Prime Minister John Briceno (Left) and Immigration Minister Kareem Musa (right) pose with a family who received their Belizean passports during a ceremony in TexasPrime Minister John Briceño and Immigration Minister Kareem Musa personally handed over the documents, with Musa saying that they received passports, nationality certificates, and citizenship documents by descent.

The initiative forms part of a wider government push to strengthen ties with Belizeans abroad and bring essential immigration services closer to home. The government officials say that the programme not only supports citizens overseas but also promotes continued engagement and investment in Belize.

Musa said he was pleased Prime Minister Briceño was able to participate in the event after three days of being in the Parliament in Belmopan where the national budget was being debated.

“…but here we are today in Houston servicing some 300 Belizeans, providing a renewal of their passports, nationality certificates, certificates by descent. So many people all across Houston they’re excited for this opportunity because their children get to have nationality certificates by virtue of descent.

“We appreciate what they do for Belize in so many ways and when you speak to Belizean over here, they all say one thing, ‘Belize is our home. We want to go back to Belize. We want to invest in the Belize and we want to continue to support our families back in Belize in whatever way we can.’”

Musa said that the ceremony is “all part of a very important network that we are fostering with our diaspora community,”  adding that in August “there may be some outreach that we’re doing in Chicago and thereafter planning other destinations as well.

“And it’s very important for us to note because I know a lot of. -everybody’s worried is this something that’s costing the government. As a matter of fact, it is revenue positive? We’re actually earning money for Belize,” he said.