We've been offered jobs by people who have no idea how to hire Americans to fill their positions. Is there a book or website that will help out?
Thanks for the info!

Congratulations on the job offer. With the U.S. and particularly Belize economies (especially tourism) as they are now, any job offer is worth its weight in gold.

I'm not sure exactly what kind of Web site or book you are looking for. The only thing I would say is that a lot of times people in Belize, both Belizeans and expats who have been in Belize awhile, are a lot savvier about things than they might appear at first. They've often learned the hard way what works in Belize, and what doesn't, and that the "American way" of doing things may not work too well in Belize.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine

In a situation like this, would you still need to obtain a work permit???

Without knowing the details, normally in cases like this the employer is responsible for the work permit and would pay for it. I would assume the employer has jumped through the hoops such as advertising the position locally before offering it to a non-citizen.

--Lan Sluder

Take a look at this website www.belizereport.com there is a section on working in Belize.
--Silk www.caribbean-colors.com

They've gone through the local advertising rigamarole and haven't found the right candidate. We're a little leery of getting down there and our papers aren't in order or some other nonsense and be required to fix it ourselves with no knowlege of the process. How do we know if it's done right? What are the consequenses if it isn't? We spent about a week quizzing employers and we heard a ton of different stuff so we would love to see something published by the government of Belize, make sure our butts are covered. Thanks for supplying the website! It will help.

The people who want to hire us seem to think that we'll help their business and I'm not going to argue with that. The "American way" of doing things probably won't fly when dealing with Belizean merchants and tradespeople but we're flexible and will learn to adjust our expectations.
Unfortunately, most American tourists won't have the time or inclination during their stay to make that adjustment and will expect their leaky toilet or jet-powered AC to be repaired when they expect it to be. Tourist expectations are not being met in this circumstance so we've been asked to help.
Right or wrong as this idea may be, we're thrilled to have the opportunity to live and work in a place we've fallen in love with.
If all goes well, we'll be back down there mid-december, enjoying San Pedro some more.

Hi

It is very unlikely that an employer will pay for a work permit as the legal cost is 750 usd but if you use a lawyer that is normally rounded up to 1500usd.Some employers will say that if you work for the year they will sign a contract(legally binding) that they will pay the money at the end of the year.
ps there are other ways

Pedro:
How soon do we have to get the permits? Do you know what the process is? The employers have agreed to pay the fee. Do we need to have the permit before we start working?
Any additional info you have would be appreciated!

You need to have a work permit, residency or citizenship to work. You are legally not allowed to work without one of these. There is government issued paperwork and applications that need to be filled out by both you and your employer. The Immigrations department has all of the paperwork and information. Just follow their steps - but it takes a while. I just went through the process and it took 3 months (and I would say longer if you began during the holidays). Your employer should start the process with letters of reccomendation, copies of your passport, your resume, etc about 6 - 8 weeks before you enter the country (ideally). This is the legal way to go about getting a work permit. If you are caught working without one both you and your employers are subject to a Fine, and you will be deported persona non grata. I would reccomend going through the legal channels. It takes longer but makes a lasting impression on the community you wish to be a part of. Good Luck.