By Zoila Palma: Officers from the Department of Border Management and Immigration Services (DBMIS), under the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour, have completed a two-day workshop focused on matters relating to the Hague Convention and Belize’s Family Court procedures.
The training aimed to strengthen officers’ understanding of legal requirements and their responsibilities when handling cases involving children travelling across borders and individuals subject to court-imposed restrictions.
The workshop was conducted in collaboration with Chief Magistrate Deborah Rogers and the Family Court to address issues that intersect with border management and court proceedings. Officers participated in practical exercises examining relevant legislation and Family Court policies, including who has the authority to sign or stamp documents presented when adults seek to leave Belize with minors.
Sessions also covered situations involving parents travelling with children without the other parent present, requests for a “single mother letter” from the Family Court, and compliance with bail conditions that restrict an individual’s movement. These discussions provided officers with guidance on the procedures to follow when assessing travel documents and determining whether additional checks are necessary.
Participants also reviewed legislation relating to Hague Convention matters and applications under the Family and Children’s Act, with emphasis on identifying potential warning signs at border checkpoints and ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
DBMIS Director Lawrence Thompson described the sessions as very educational, noting that they provided officers with best practices to better align the department’s work with the relevant legislation and Family Court policies.
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By Zoila Palma: Officers from the Department of Border Management and Immigration Services (DBMIS), under the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour, have completed a two-day workshop focused on matters relating to the Hague Convention and Belize’s Family Court procedures. The training aimed to strengthen officers’ understanding of legal requirements and their responsibilities when handling
The post Immigration officers trained on child travel and family court procedures appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.