The information that follows was provided by the director of the Department of Immigration in Belize (11 Apr. 1995).

Legislation governing immigration and citizenship in Belize was amended in 1985, and new regulations on the subject are currently in print but will not be public until May 1995. However, the following general information could be provided over the telephone.

There are three categories under which a person can obtain Belize citizenship: 1) by descent, which includes persons who are born of a Belizean parent; 2) by birth, which includes persons born in Belize territory; and 3) by registration, which includes persons who have fulfilled residence requirements or invested in the country.

With the exception of investors, foreigners normally must legally reside in Belize for at least five years in order to request citizenship by registration. They must also have no criminal record, and must pass a medical examination. The application is then reviewed by a panel, and the final decision on granting of citizenship is made by the cabinet minister in charge of the Department of Immigration. Foreigners who marry citizens of Belize can apply for citizenship after residing in the country for one year after marriage.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Department of Immigration, Belize. 11 April 1995. Telephone interview with director.