My Fellow Belizeans,

As you may have been aware by now, the Government of the United States has for the calendar year 2018, removed Belize from the list of countries whose citizens are able to receive H-2A and H-2B visas. 

In 2016, some 299 Belizeans were granted these visas.

According to the US Government this was a result of Belize's Tier 3 ranking in regard to human trafficking. Over the last few months, Belize has undertaken to improve the way it deals with cases of alleged human trafficking. These efforts include but are not limited to, an assigned police unit for  human trafficking cases , a special Supreme Court Judge, a special magistrate, special personnel in the Attorney General's Ministry and a special prosecutor. Additionally, there has been training of security forces and education campaigns. While Belize's arrest and conviction rate in regard to human trafficking mirrors other countries who have been given a better ranking, Belize remained on tier 3 at the last review.

The efforts mentioned above are expected to make Belize much better at dealing with cases of alleged human trafficking and at the same time reasonably anticipate an improved result at the end of the upcoming review.

We will keep you abreast of any news in this regard.

On another note, please find two news stories, one in regard to an improved ranking of the Belize Passport, and another on the strides the country is making in regard to environmental protection.

Belize bans oil activity to protect its barrier reef:

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jan/19/coral-reefs-at-make-or-break-point-un-environment-head-says&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwj71b6MheXYAhVhkeAKHVRWDkEQFggFMAA&client=internal-uds-cse&cx=007466294097402385199:m2ealvuxh1i&usg=AOvVaw27MmEKQ8j6P6JtH9pLkaLc

Global ranking of Belizean passport improves:

https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2018/01/14/global-ranking-of-belizean-passport-improves/