The Role of I.O.M. in Belize

Diana Locke

At the core of migration issues is the International Office of Migration, which has offices across the globe. In Belize, the I.O.M. office is headed by Diana Locke. She shared with the audience the role of the I.O.M. and migration in Belize.

Diana Locke, Head, I.O.M, Belize

“You have seen where there are so many changes that are happening in Belize today. The talk is about migration, about persons transiting Belize, there’s talk about amnesty and I wanted to share with you that our role here is to work with the government to manage these issues that are arising. We offer support through the assisted voluntary return program to the government and to any migrant who currently lives in Belize who wishes to return to their country of origin. We do this though the assisted voluntary return program. We are contacted by persons who wish to return to their country of origin. Once they qualify, we facilitate the return home and on arrival home, they’re not just deposited at the airport, they’re taken back to their homes. They’re provided further support for a period of time thereafter to help them to ensure that they integrate. We’ve also done this during the pandemic for Belizeans who wanted to return back to Belize. We did this for about sixty-five persons who came back and had to re-enter into quarantine. At this point in time, we are working very closely with the government on the amnesty, which is an opportunity for migrants, whether regular or irregular in this country at this time who fall into one of eight categories to become permanent residents once they qualify. So we’ve been doing a lot of outreach across the country.”