WORK PERMITS

One agenda of the current government is to ensure that Belizean jobs are left open for Belizeans whenever possible.  There will be no permits issued for work that clearly can be done by Belizeans, e.g. waiters, vendors, domestic workers and farm hands.  

You are eligible for a work permit after you have been in country for six months.  Reputedly, permits are issued on short notice for critical skills, but don't count on anything.  

Fees vary as follows:  (These figures are in U.S. Dollars)  New:  In 2005, all these fees doubled. 

Professional and Technical Workers:    $750

General Workers:    $100.

Seasonal Workers:    $25 per crop

Entertainers in groups of two to five: $250 each. 

Individual entertainers:  $150.

Missionaries, educational and volunteer individuals:  $25.

For further information, telephone the Immigration and Nationality Department at 501-8-22611, the Labour Department at 501-8-22204 or visit the Government Website. 

The source for this information is the policy statement issued by The Ministry of National Security and Immigration, to be implemented starting Friday, February 5th, 1999.

UPDATE: (April 2001)  The Powers That Be regard all gringos as "easy pickin's".  If you're a Norte Americano, you will pay $750 to do anything -- including working in your own business, should you choose to start one.  If you want to work, consider Permanent Residence as the best option.  

NEWER:  (December 2005)  The fee for a Gringo to do anything is $1500US and they are starting to tell gringos that they must have a work permit to stay in Belize longer than three months, whether they intend to work or not. Permanent residence is now alarmingly expensive, as described here.

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