Belize Now Eligible for Seasonal Work Visas Following 5-Year Ban Lift
In a significant turn, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicated that Belize would be added to the list of countries eligible for seasonal work visa programs. This change marks a major opportunity for Belizean workers to engage in seasonal work in the U.S. in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, creating pathways for lawful employment abroad.
This change comes with the lifting of the five-year ban on Belize’s eligibility for the H-2A and H-2B temporary work visa programs, which took effect on November 8, 2024.
Why the Five-Year Ban was Placed on Belize
The five-year ban, implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2018, restricted certain countries from accessing the H-2 visa programs. Belize was removed from the list due to concerns about human trafficking standards. Belize’s ranking in the U.S. Department of State’s annual Trafficking in Persons report was “Tier 3” which was a clear indication that Belize was not meeting the minimum standards for combating human trafficking.
This restriction meant Belizean workers were unable to access the U.S. labor market via the H-2A (agricultural) and H-2B (non-agricultural) visas, effectively blocking them from roles that can offer economic uplift for seasonal workers and their families.
Why the Ban Was Lifted – Eligible Seasonal Work Visas
The decision to lift the ban for Belize is because of consistent efforts by the Belizean government to address concerns of Human Trafficking particularly in meeting standards set by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).
As compared to their pre-ban ranking of “Tier 3” in the DHS’ annual Trafficking in Persons Report, Belize now ranks “Tier 2” reiterating its efforts to combat human trafficking. They have also addressed compliance concerns and enhanced collaboration with U.S. immigration authorities.
Implications for Belizean Workers: Access to H-2A and H-2B Visa Opportunities
Belize’s inclusion in the H-2 visa program reopens access to a wide range of seasonal roles in the United States. The H-2A visa allows Belizean agricultural workers to take up temporary or seasonal work in farms and ranches, while the H-2B visa supports employment in non-agricultural sectors, including construction, landscaping, hospitality, and more. To qualify for these visas, U.S. employers must first prove a shortage of available American workers to fill specific seasonal roles. Then, they must provide a formal job offer and acquire a labor certification through the Department of Labor (DOL). This certification process ensures that foreign workers will not adversely affect wages or working conditions for U.S. workers.
Economic Impact and Bilateral Benefits
This reinstatement is expected to have positive economic impacts both for Belize and the U.S. employers. The U.S. can provide higher wages compared to local opportunities, offering Belizean workers a chance to support their families back home through remittances. For U.S. employers, particularly those in sectors that often struggle to meet labor demands, Belizean workers help address labor shortages during peak seasons, supporting industries critical to the U.S. economy.
The addition of Belize to the H-2A and H-2B programs also supports the DHS’s goals of fostering economic growth and enhancing trade relations with Belize. By offering lawful migration opportunities, this move also provides Belizeans an alternative to irregular migration while seeking economic advancement in the U.S., DHS noted.
Prospects and Compliance Moving Forward
Belize’s re-entry into the H-2 program is contingent on maintaining high compliance standards. Continued collaboration between Belize and U.S. authorities will be essential to ensure that Belizean workers comply with visa conditions, which could open doors for more visa opportunities in the future.
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