Belize has received its first group of people under its Examination of Protection Requests agreement with the United States. The move marks the first use of the arrangement, which many refer to as the Safe Third Country Agreement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade confirmed that eight individuals arrived in Belize during July 2026. The ministry did not provide the exact date. However, it said officials followed every step required under the agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade worked with the Ministry of Immigration to oversee the process.

Government officials also said they completed all security checks before the transfers took place. They reviewed each case through national and international procedures. As a result, Belize approved the transfers only after meeting its legal requirements.

The agreement allows the United States to request the transfer of eligible third-country nationals who seek protection. Belize reviews each request on its own. The government can approve or reject any transfer after completing its assessment. Officials stressed that they will continue to follow Belize’s laws and its international obligations.

Belize is one of several CARICOM countries holding talks with Washington on similar migration agreements. These discussions focus on managing third-country nationals who seek protection in the region.

The latest development comes as Antigua and Barbuda continues its own negotiations with the United States. Earlier this month, Parliament approved a resolution that outlines the government’s negotiating position.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Antigua and Barbuda will not accept convicted criminals under any future agreement. He told lawmakers that protecting the country remains the government’s top priority. Browne said his administration would rather face visa restrictions than accept people who could threaten public safety.

At the same time, Browne said the United States has not asked Antigua and Barbuda to receive criminal offenders. Instead, he said the government would consider accepting people whose only immigration offence involved a visa violation. He added that skilled workers could benefit the country. He mentioned nurses, medical specialists, and construction workers as examples.

The Prime Minister also said Antigua and Barbuda would seek up to US$75,000 in support for each person accepted under any future agreement. He argued that the country’s high cost of living requires greater financial assistance. Negotiations between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States remain ongoing. No final agreement has been announced.