Safety

Belgian Minister for Migration Van Bossuyt signs a readmission agreement with Belize

06 May. 2025

Belgian Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, has signed a readmission agreement with Belize at the Benelux House in Brussels.

The agreements with Belize were concluded within the framework of Benelux cooperation. In addition to Minister Van Bossuyt, the director-general of consular affairs (Joris Salden), the Ambassadors of the Netherlands (Brechje Schwachöfer) and Luxembourg (Jean-Louis Thill) in Belgium, as well as the ambassador of Belize (Gianni Avila), also signed the agreements.

The readmission agreement obliges Belize to accelerate identification procedures and actively contribute to the swift return of its nationals residing irregularly in Belgium, the Netherlands, or Luxembourg.

In February 2025, Minister Van Bossuyt had already concluded a similar agreement with Suriname, also as part of Benelux cooperation.

Frans Weekers, Secretary General of Benelux, stated on the occasion: “The agreements we are signing today with Belize reflect our commitment to building bridges between Europe and Central America. Belize, a country of cultural diversity and rich natural heritage, shares our belief that responsible migration management and sincere dialogue are essential.”

Michel-Étienne Tilemans, Deputy Secretary General of Benelux, added: “In the face of increasingly complex migration challenges, the need for a shared and coordinated approach has never been more urgent. May the agreements we are signing today with Belize serve as an example of pragmatic and united cooperation.”

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