Belize will assume the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Commission of Migration Authorities of the Member Countries of the Central American Integration System on July 1, placing the country in a regional leadership role on migration governance, border management and humanitarian mobility.
The Department of Border Management and Immigration Services accepted the transfer of the presidency on June 11 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, through the representation of its Director, Lawrence Thompson. The presidency will run for six months and end on December 31, 2026.
The Ministry of Immigration says that the Commission of Migration Authorities, known as OCAM, is the principal regional forum for cooperation and coordination among migration authorities within the SICA region.
As Pro Tempore President, Belize will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for regional migration initiatives, strengthening cooperation among Member States and supporting the implementation of the OCAM Strategic Plan 2025 to 2030.
Belize’s presidency will be guided by the theme, “Advancing Smart Border Management and Regional Information Sharing for Secure, Humane, and Efficient Mobility.”
Director Thompson said the role gives Belize an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in migration governance, border management modernization, regional security cooperation and humanitarian migration management.
“Our focus will be on strengthening cooperation, improving information sharing and advancing practical systems that support safe, secure, humane and efficient mobility across the region,” Thompson said.
The presidency will focus on three strategic priority areas: modernization through digital interoperability, regional security through integrated border management, and human rights and humanitarian border management.
The Department said the role also provides a platform to advance priorities outlined in the DBMIS Strategic Outlook, including digital transformation, intelligence led and risk based border management, capacity building, information sharing and operational modernization.
A DBMIS OCAM Presidency Steering Committee will be established to coordinate activities, monitor implementation, engage stakeholders, prepare reports and support the delivery of outcomes aligned with both the OCAM Strategic Plan and the strategic objectives of DBMIS.
Port Commanders are expected to support the presidency through operational insights, participation in technical working group meetings, data collection, reporting and implementation of activities linked to the presidency’s priorities.
The Department thanked Port Commanders and frontline officers for their dedication and service, saying their work had contributed to Belize being entrusted with the regional leadership role.
The Department of Border Management and Immigration Services is an integral part of the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour. Further information on the Steering Committee, working groups and planned activities is expected to be shared in the coming weeks
The post Belize to assume Regional Migration Presidency in July appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Belize will assume the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Commission of Migration Authorities of the Member Countries of the Central American Integration System on July 1, placing the country in a regional leadership role on migration governance, border management and humanitarian mobility. The Department of Border Management and Immigration Services accepted the transfer of the
The post Belize to assume Regional Migration Presidency in July appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
