I am relatively new here and was wondering are you able to volunteer without having a work permit?

If so does anyone have any ideas of places to look into?

Thanks for help in advance

The logic is that whatever work you do you're taking the possibility of that work from a Belizean.

Surely they must turn a blind eye when they are working with a charity, for free. Does anyone know if all those dentists who come down to help out get work permits? Is there a special permit for temporary volunteer work? Would be interesting to find out.

There is usually no problem with short term volunteers unless someone complains to the GOB and then, you have problems. Many doctors and dentists have to get permission to come and do clinics. Several who just come and ignored the GOB rules have gotten in trouble. Work permits for volunteer work have become easier to get in the last year or so, at least paperwork wise as it now all falls under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Dept.

Ido not want to cause any waves, I just wanted a way to get out and meet some new people and hopefull be helpul somehow while doing so lol

But last thing I want is to cause any trouble.

So Dabunk from what you are saying you can apply for a work permit to volunteer? Any idea on cost of that?

Thanks

I do not know the current rates, best bet is to contact Immigration Dept in Belmopan.

Used to be $100BZ but may be double that now since the new rates came in, just to give you an idea.

If you are only on a week's vacation and plan on doing one or two days volunteer work you won't have a problem. If you plan on staying a while and making it a regular thing then get your permit to save yourself any hassles.

I currently have a volunteer work permit - if you want to PM me I will give you the details on how to go about getting one. One of the biggest things you have to have is a place to volunteer, the business/school has to write a letter as part of your application. You cannot just get a volunteer work permit and then try and find a place to volunteer.

Thanks for all the insights you all rock.