In my many years here, I have met thousands of Expats that want to reside in Belize indefinatly. However, many of them fail to acquire Permenant Residency or a Qualified Retired Person's Permit to stay. Niether option is affordable to those on a buget. As a result, they must report to the Department of Immigration every month to renew thier visas at a cost of $25.00 USD ($50BZD)or $50.00 USD ($100BZD) each time they renew. The price depends on how long they have stayed in the country.
Natually, the Dept. of Immigration frowns on those that do not want to secure proper residency papers. So, they begin "bullying" Expats at each visit for anything from bank statements, tax returns, investments, etc. Just to be sure they can support themselves while living here without working, which they are not allowed or supposed to do.
So, the problem starts when tourists on an extended stay have to get their visa renewed. I have met many visitors who come for long term stays, anywhere from 3 to 6 months. They too have to renew their visas each month, but when the start getting bullied like an Expat, their Red Flags go up. I have heard on more than 10 occasions about visitors complaining of this trearment and what I am hearing them say is, "If this needless bullying doesn't change, we will be going to Mexico from now on where we can get a 180 day visa without any hassles. We love Belize, but the hassle is not worth it."
This is not a good trend for Belize. The push seems to be going after more Cruise Ship tourism than over-night long term tourism. And I don't believe that will be a sustainable solution for Belize.
Until the Ministry of Tourism makes changes to these issues after facing many internal scandals in The Immigration department, I can't count on tourism increasing in Belize.
Some say that would be best for sustainability.
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