Me and a few friends are seriously considering moving to Ambergris Caye after we graduate from the University of Texas, which will be late this December. Does anyone know about finding a job on the island?

Thanks a lot,

Daniel

None, sorry. If you want to stay in Belize for a while you will have to sustain yourself with your own money. There are not enough jobs for Belizean college graduates, and certainly none to spare for foreigners.

Dan...do a search on the job topic on this website...you'll find many posts on this topic...

It is possible..just depends on how creative you are...
Starting a business is the best way to do it from what I've seen...which employs the local work force..which helps Belize...
An old saying I've heard people say is "If ya want to make a million in Belize....bring 2."
Hope you go and feel the magic there...visit...talk to lots of folks.

If you go there with an honest desire to help improve the local economy I'm sure many would welcome it.

Susan, You are such a bore.

I'm a "bore?" For answering the guy's question? Maybe he doesn't like the answer (you obviously don't), but that's the way the cookie crumbles.
Belize does not need young gringo college grads to take jobs away from its own young grads, most of whom are living somewhere else because they can't get a job.
I have trouble understanding how it is that someone can actually get through college and reach the point of actually considering living in another country without taking the time to do an hour's worth of research about that country's economy. That's all it would take to learn that the country cannot financially sustain fun loving young gringos looking for a bit of international living.
Look, here's the deal: If you want to live in a nice tropical developing country you gotta BYOM. That's the trade off. Foreigners are welcome as tourists and investors. We have to pay our way. Pay as you go. That's the way it is. Get over it.

Daniel, being a fellow Texan, I have faith in you and your friends. Do the research, and decide if all of you can come up with a business idea, that will employ Belizeans, plus support all of you. You will have to front alot of money to accomplish your goal, and be will to work long hours. You can do it, if the desire is strong enough, and willing to pay the price, for that life in Paradise.

Susangg,
I guess then this retired gringo teacher would not be welcome to teach at a Belizean school?
We have many people of other nationalities working in the States. I've never had a problem with it. I even know a Belizian who is in our Navy. No problem there either.
Is your opinion towards foreigners working there a common one? I certainly don't want to move to where I'm not wanted.
jb

Whooaaaa...I think Susan is just repeating what has been said on this board a million times. Anyone serious about moving to another country needs to do some research on what they can & can't do there--just because someone spends a week's vacay there, enjoys it and decides they want to live there doesn't mean its feasible. And it's not a matter of Belizeans not wanting other nationalities there, it's a matter of them getting jobs before foreigners. We tend to forget how much our country has to offer outsiders in the way of jobs, opportunities (and yes, freebies). Belize doesn't have that to offer outsiders because they don't have that for their own people. How many times have we read the same thread...'oh I want to move to Belize next month, where can I get a job?..' All ya have to do is read some of the posts in this section and you will see the same answers every time. Okay, I'll get off my high horse. (:

I certainly do not want to take anything from anyone, but I have considered moving to Belize or rather taking an extended visit if possible. I've been down three times over 25 years for short visits. I would not have to work due to retirement income (I think),but I would consider working if something interesting came available. If this would cause any resentment amongst a majority of locals or is probhibited by my U.S. citizenship,I will not consider working at all.
But alas, I'm sure things have changed quite a bit since my last visit 23 years ago and I get the impression my gringo dollars will not go as far as I think they will or once would. Whatever the case, you have a beautiful island that I only hope to enjoy not harm in anyway and I hope I prove to be an appreciative visitor.

People who want to do volunteer work in Belize can sometimes find such an opportunity by contacting the many non profit organizations who have projects there...several international environmental organizations (like Earthwatch for example), many religious groups (like Habitat for Humanity), etc. Such volunteer efforts are not glamorous, they are usually located in poor areas, and I would be very surprised indeed if any were on Ambergris Caye. This work is usually physical labor (like building homes) and the projects are temporary. I don't think this is what the young fellow from Texas had in mind, but if it is, he can do net searches for volunteer slots.
As for the "retired teacher," I don't know whether people who want to DONATE their services as teachers can get work permits to teach in Belize or not, but again, it would not likely be on Ambergris Caye. There are young Belizeans who can take such jobs (though they are hard to fill because the pay is so low...).

Susan, axeman and govikes are all right. The reality accomodates them all.

As for teaching, so many Belizeans with degrees have a hard time finding jobs in their fields so many go into teaching at the secondary level. 20 yrs ago, the peace corps and VSO use to send people to belize to be HS teachers. If there are any more they are few because Belizeans have taken over that role.

I know however that many primary school teachers are undertrained (as many have only a High School diploma) so I the market is wide open if you have the qualifications to come in and do that role - that is not the say that the Ministry of Education has a job going in that role.) The Min of Ed does its best to assist here but it is a long way from being enough.

ejbpesca, if you are going to be in Belize under the Qualified Retired Persons Incentive program, you will not be able to work for pay in Belize. I'm sure, though, you can find a school that will welcome you as a volunteer.

I tend to agree with Susan's perspective on this. As a practical matter, some U.S. citizens do come to Belize and find work, but work permits are difficult to get, and most of those who find work end up doing something like selling real estate (or, yechh, time shares) on commission. The jobs don't pay much or last very long, and before you know it the person heads back to the U.S. Legally to work in Belize you must have a work permit and a Belize social security card.

If you look at Belize in terms of economic output, the entire country has a GDP which is comparable to the economic output of a small town of 25,000 or 30,000 people in the U.S., Canada or some countries of Western Europe. Pay is low -- from one-tenth to one-third that of similar jobs in the U.S. -- and unemployment and underemployment is high,in the double digits.

If you are entrepreneurially minded and have some money to invest, you may be able to do okay in Belize. Though of all the people I talked to in writing a book about living/investing/retiring in Belize, the majority who opened hotels or restaurants or other businesses in Belize were not very successful and quite a few were planning to leave (and some have since left). But again the market in Belize is tiny, and the opportunities in Belize are many orders of magnitude smaller than in most parts of the U.S. A handful of people, Belizeans and non-Belizeans, make real money in business in Belize, but most just scrape by.

At least 100,000 Belizeans have moved to the U.S. to take advantage of the opportunities in America. Many would like to come back, but most cannot afford to.

--Lan Sluder

My advice: Get a job in the states,live with your parents for a few years, save money, create bidness plan, move to paradise, go broke.

Benefits: Have the time of your life for a few years, support the local economy, drink many Belis and experiences that grad school could never give you. Good luck!!

Daniel,
Don't let these responses get you down! There are lots of adventure jobs out there! However, these guys and gals are correct.
As a traveling student myself, I went down during winter break. This was my 4th time down and I was participating in one of these volunteer projects in the northern city of San Ignacio (mainland). That was through the Cornerstone Foundation. You can check it out on the web.(There is also one called ProBelize.)
While I was there I paid for(he carried my bags in exchange!) a young male friend of mine, 19 years old and partially educated, from a rural village in the south who was looking for work. I paid his way to the Cayes to look for work with his uncle. Again, its the issue that it is a developing country so there arent that many jobs available.
There are sometimes positions for teachers as long as it is in a field where they dont have anyone qualified. Areas like computer science I think. But even so there is no guarantee and you have to have lived in country for 6 months first. There is also an apparent shortage of nurses. And if you do get a position you should think about training a Belizean to take your place!
An imortant point to remember for any foreigner going there for work or projects is that the people should benefit too. I mean if you are going to take a job or start a project think if a Belizean is capable of doing that and are you taking that away from them. Or can you get them involved somehow.
A good link for travel work is: goabroad.com.
The other option would be something like peace corps but who knows where you would get placed.
Hope this helps!
There are many sites describing all this that are already out there.

Sarasmile - Was this the young man you spoke about in previous posts/emails? Was he able to find work in San Pedro?

There are a lot of gringos who work here illegally-so it is possible but you could get caught and thrown out of the country-this has only happened once, in the four years that I have been here(to my knowledge)and the person was warned and carried on working.She subsequently got married,to a Belizean, and was allowed to stay.Before anyone jumps at me I know of at least 20 GRINGOS who do not have the correct paperwork-I am not talking about people from Mexico/C.A.

I would not be where I am today, if I had only listened and believed the downside of every venture I have taken in life. I listened to the downsides, and then spent much of my time on the upsides. The true upside was what I wanted, and where I wanted to go. I knew I could do it, and did it. Having said that, I do not live in a dreamworld state of mind. It takes doing and long hard hours of dedication, and it will happen. Start young folks, not to miss the best opportunities.

Cheri holding cardboard sign......."WILL WORK AND HIRE BELIZEANS AND TRAIN FOR GOOD OPPORTUNITY THERE".........OK-WILL WORK FOR FOOD!!! C...LOL

Susangg,
I think you need to go out and have a few Maragaritas!!!! Relax girl, you are coming across like a >>>>>. Sorry but you need to lite'n up!! Take a trip to Belize...LOL...
Think about your Panama place, it will put your heart as ease!!!
Rick

Hey dude, e us and we'll help ya with info.
rickcheri@hotmail.com
we are in Ft. Worth....
Thanks, Rick

Tincup- I forget already who I have mentioned here...I think you might be refering to Teddy the Tour guide who is someone different..he is a few years older and actually has a tour guide job in San Ignacio area (employed by a Canadian!)-always looking for side tours though! THis one I mention here, well, he was out on AC from Jan until March when he returned home. My last email from him was asking for a sponsor so that he could get a job with an oil company. I had to refuse since ..well..I'm broke...and I dont agree with paying to get hired!

Sorry Rick...but I don't think providing an reasoned and accurate response to a question indicates that I have an emotional problem that calls for prescriptive alcohol.
The young man asked a question and I answered it.

And why would you want to "help" a young gringo, who has managed to graduate college and presumably has had every opportunity come to Belize and take a paying job that would otherwise be available to a young Belizean, who is very unlikely to have the same opportunities as that young gringo?

It's one thing for young people to backpack around the world and enjoy themselves for awhile. That's great, and I am all for it.
But the kids that do that are doing it on THEIR DIME (or in some cases, Daddy's dime). They are not asking the Belizean economy to pay for their adventure.

Similarly, young people who sign up for an NGO program like Habitat for Humanity in a developing country, where they can do something useful while having the adventurous experience of being abroad also have my support. (By the way, most of those volunteers are required to pay their own way too, or fundraise for it at home...)

But I am opposed to providing any "help" for Americans who take paying jobs away from Belizeans so that they can live in the sun for awhile. Do you have any idea how many young Belizeans have left Belize to go to college (or serve in the US military) and can't come home to their families because they can't find jobs? Why don't you talk to some of their parents next time you are down there and see how they feel about your desire to help these young Texans get jobs in Belize? I have.

Belize is a beautiful place to live and if you can accomplish this without taking more than you give, that's great. But do it on your own dime. Either bring money or start a business that will support yourself while creating employment for the local citizens. After all, its their country.

Come on down. Plenty of jobs at $35-$40Bz per day, 6 days a week.

My utmost respect for an American girl who came to belize on her own dime in the mid 90's. She was into marine biology, saved up her money at home, sorted out her own connections in belize to do some of that, paid her own way to belize and was wholly self sufficient while she was there. She could only afford a rundown house with no electricity and a latrine but lived happily in the local community for the best part of a year if not more. Then when it was time, she moved back and went to grad school. Big up to you Meghan Gombos. Whereever you are would love for you to get in touch.

Susangg,
You just don't get it.......
Rick

Ever seen the "Bitter Beer" ad? Nuf said.

Careful Susangg,

You're clouding the issues with the "FACTS" again. Don't kill the messenger, folks even if she said it in a way you didn't like.

Telling someone "you don't get it" is a copout of the responsibility to explain yourself properly. Maybe it's you they don't get and they you don't get.

In this case, a topic which gets argued ad nauseum every time someone new brings it up to no agreeable conclusion, maybe the answer is to tell the questioner to do the research first and then ask questions about specific things. Tell them to use the search function. That's what people pay colleges for, to teach them how to research.

Hey Daniel, check my respone to "Sunbathing Beauties" in this same category for info on work permits, and staying in Belize.
To the teacher, do check out the retirement program Lan mentioned. Could be perfect for you.
Lacy
Caribe Island Resort.

Daniel,
"Me and a few friends..." I take it you did not get your degree in English.

Just a point -would anybody pay bettabelizit 30/40 bzd per day -my answer is I can not think of anybody who would want to waste that amount of money on total sense of humour failures

Are you people kidding me? The one thing that made America great is that when we begun we let EVERYONE in. I know that it is easy to hate us and I know that your country is suffering. However, it is Belize that made it easy for Americans to enter. It is your country that wants us. If you have a problem with it, you should take it up with your politicians. Hey - I have an idea - don't vote for them! personally, I think they are doing the right thing. We love your country and want to be part of it. If that means brining our money and our thoght process, you should be contempt with it. We are not trying to hurt you. We are trying to help you. If an Anerican moves to your country, it is only because we have total respect for your world. If by doing that we help modernize you and develop you, you should be happy not mad. It isn't a pissing match. We love you and, honestly, we aren't that hard to love... By the way, half of Texas goes to Belize. Should they stop because one college girl asked if she could be employed in your country? I love Belize, but you are out of line. Isn't tourism, particually American, your greatest sorce of income? Don't get upset because we love you......

....is wondering just to WHOM the previous post was intended

Hey Folks,
Streechie,Lan,and Susan have a handle on it,get
a grip.Reality sets in and you can't work down there!

Will Work For Belikins......

DB - I heard ya make a "pretty" good cabana boy

whatever it takes :p

Daniel: All these people that are telling you that you can't come here and work are not here working, so what do they know? If you want to establish yourself here it can be done, legally. There is a sizeable group of expats living and working here without any problems. Best to follow the laws though. Ignore the naysayers.

Ahhh...the voice of reason...
Someone told Columbus he was insane...go figure.

As a business owner in BZ and part-time resident, I feel like I should respond. Yes, you can get your residency and work permit legally. It takes a while to accomplish, but you CAN do it. Finding a job is a bit different, unless you have a special niche. I know a couple of Gringos that have worked short-term for 500 US/week. (One was working 7 days, 90 hours a week. She quit when she asked for one day off and was told "you are management-- that's why we pay you the big bucks"). Of course, they were making 70k in the States. I was just given some advice.... "if I want Gringo's working for me, play US wages and adopt a US work week". I don't think that most companies in BZ can afford to do that. And, I will tell you that I have gotten much feedback from tourists.... they love having the "BZ flavour".
To the teacher... Goodness knows, BZ could use some good educators. But, they do not welcome Gringos on the Island (not even as volunteers on a regular basis), except at Island Academy.
(As a side-note-- at a recent Chamber of Commerce meeting, we were told of a very generous man who wanted to donate an entire container of school books and supplies to BZ. Did it happen??? NO. It was denied duty-free status!! Go figure that one out!!)

grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Daniel--you are young and educated, why not give it a whirl. If you just listen to your lawyer or your banker, you will never do anything.

Do your research, develop a plan, work hard, be honest, treat people right, and give it an honest try. The worst that can happen is that you will fail. Most successful people have done that many times. The only way you can be guaranteed not to fail is if you never do anything. Of course the odds are against you in Belize or in any foreign country, or for that matter, in the U.S. That is why most successful people have to try more than once.

I do not agree with some of the posters that you are somehow doing something morally wrong to the people of Belize by trying to make a living there. That kind of logic assumes there is a finite amount of employment and opportunity available. That is never true, anywhere. You are not hurting the people of Belize if you follow the Belizan law and contribute to the Belizan work force. In fact, if you are able to establish some type of business that can offer employment to Belizians or contributes to the economy and growth of the country, you are doing a good thing for its people.

Daniel, I just visited AC last week, whoever wrote there are no jobs there is crazy. I hope to move there in Dec.
Keli

Keli,
Good luck in your endeavours. I simply posted my own observations based on tourism and that industry. I realize that there are many Gringos working in Belize. I also know what the cost of living is, and what the laws are. So, if you have a particular niche, then you may make it. But don't go thinking that there are "plenty of jobs". It simply isn't true. I don't know your educational background, but maybe you have a particular skill that is coveted there. If not, be prepared to compete with Belizeans for that job. And that's when the law will kick in.
But just beware.... I still love that saying "If you want to make a small fortune in BZ, start with a large one".
Now, this is all just my opinion. I have a small staff of 15, all Belizean.

Read what the stamp says in your passport. It says you may not work without a work permit. You may not even work without pay. Ask Jackay at immigration, I lived on the island for 4 months, I intended to get my residency the legal way because just before the elections they stopped selling residencies which was illegal but it had been going on for a long time, so it takes a year of getting your passport stamped every month for a year to get your residency then you may work. I was supervising as an owner of a condo and was detained at the jail house because jackay said I was working and if immigration says you are guess what, you are. I writing from California.

they must have given you a Special Stamp, Cambria, I've got at least 12 of them in my current passport and not once do those words appear

Wow will ya look at this thread! That boy Daniel and his friends are long gone...and we keep posting! Long gone because he was only looking for fun in the sun! "I can assume that since I'm a college gal too...hehehe." SO anyways look at these posts...it is really quite interesting to see. I dont understand what Patiaryl is going on about...nor do I agree with it! But I am glad to see so many are interested in saving jobs for true Belizeans that need to be able to find work in their homeland since travel is usually out of the question.

klcman: After taking a close look at my passport I have found that I had 9 stamps in my passport without the no work clause, the last one being 10/17/02, when I went back for my 30 day extension and everytime thereafter I got the no work stamp. Interesting, I hadn't noticed that.

Daniel, We have moved here from Austin and are legally able to work. Since moving here we have gotten at least half a dozen job offers. Although there are plenty of Belizeans out of work, the reality is sometimes employers prefer to hire a gringo/gringa for certain jobs. Gringos who want to come down here and become divemasters, for example, may feel a little (or a lot) of resentment. The fact is, if you want to work here and don't mind making little money, I'm sure you can find a job. Whats encouraged is for you to come here, open a business, and hire Belizeans. This island is still lacking in some areas and the right businesses can only improve island life.
When you come, remember to bring lots of money with you because it is more expensive than you might think to live here.
Good Luck to you, and Welcome

Well Seabreeze, just how areyou able to work legally, did you buy your residency? Cambria

What, like "buying your residency" is a bad thing??? The one thing I have found is that NOTHING is free in BZ, except the mosquitos and the breeze (just like JJW says).
I was just re-reading the above posts and I want to comment on one thing... one of the reasons many people want to move to BZ is the treatment in our own country. Our government is corrupt, the law is almost totally ineffective, the crime rate is high, education has gone to the dogs, poverty is rampant,pollution, everything is SO expensive, jobs-- yeah whatever... So, of course, BZ looks perfect.
Well, DO NOT ever assume that BZ doesn't have these same issues. And don't ever assume that you will EVER be more than "another Gringo in BZ". That's just the facts. Yes, it's a great place to be. Yes, they love tourists and tourists money. Yes, they love anyone who comes in with alot of cash to invest.
But unlike the States, when foreigners need assistance, BZ doesn't rise to the occasion. Can't afford to get the operation you need? Sorry! Can't afford housing or electricity? Sorry! Got let go from your job because high season is over? Sorry!
So, in that respect, I think BZ may have a good idea. If they protect their people's jobs as much as possible, protect their rights, and just reap the benefits of their capital and investments, they may actually still be a "great place" to escape to years down the road.
And No, I am not an authority on BZ. And no, I don't live there, not full time anyway, and I never will. I do however own a business there, my husband is there full-time. But my system allows me to have the best of both worlds.

ibanole - just curious, did you take advantage of the QRP Program? My husband and I are building in the Buena Vista area with the thought of retirement in about 3 to 5 years. We plan to keep a place in the States but are considering the QRP. I know you can't have a "job" under that program, but can you buy or own a business? I haven't been able to get an answer to that question thru the BTB. Our thought is that we would need to have something to keep us occupied when we live there. I do want the flexibility to return to the States as needed.

It is my understanding that under the QRP program you cannot run a business in Belize. It is a program to attract RETIREES, not investors or entrepreneurs. However, you can generate income from outside Belize, so for example an Internet-based business would be okay.

--Lan Sluder

Lan is correct on that point. Under the QRP, you cannot work, even if you do decide to invest in a company. Period. But that's today. Things are changing fast in BZ, and it may be different in a few months. The new government is granting many concessions, granting MORE vehicle permits than the law allows, so who knows.......
I actually like the system that Butch and I have.... He is a resident, and does work. I'm always JUST A TOURISTA!! I get to play!!

I would buy my residency in a heart beat but the week before I moved to Belize they stopped most people from providing this wonderful opportunity. I provided several belizians work at better pay than they previously had, I was a good employer, I didn't receive any remuneration for my work but when immigration gets a hard on they don't give up. I gave up and will visit for a month or two at a time.

Cambriagal-what actually happened -from the story I have heard is that you upset someone and they reported you to immigration-personally I know of many non Belizeans working here without papers,and I think it is wrong-please understand I am not saying the story I heard is true but I do believe that people should have the correct paperwork.

I am very interested in finding employment in Ambergris Caye. I will be faxing and emailing my resume to most hotels and resorts as this is my line of work. Once in Belize, in time, I would like to purchase land/real estate.

The questions is this.....being a Canadian will it be impossible to find a job allowing me to work in Belize.

What are some of the wages/salaries that should be expected.

Any help is appreciated.

Peter

Peter of course you can work here- everything is possible but come down first-otherwise you will never find out.

Thanks Pedro for the encouragement.

We would like to do that but at this time it doesn't look like we can get down until probably January. Umless I manage to get a job before this.

You never know what can happen.

Any idea if they pay you in Bleize dollars or US dollars?

Peter

Do they pay you in U.S. dollars or Belize dollars in Canada ?

and I thought I was the crusty one

RUSTY...... I said Rusty

Ernie

immissing,

Well they do not sell real estate in a differnt currency in Canada either?? Although I am sure you don't know that.

By the way, was the questions directed to you?

Thanks anyways

Peter

:rolleyes:

Uh oh, the gauntlet has been thrown down. Look out now.

Naw... I dont have enough to work with. Too easy.

Ernie

I'm very grateful not to hafta earn a wage here in Belize. I've seen the many obsticles placed in the road of those trying to earn a living and I would have had none of it. Come and visit. Stay for awhile. Enjoy!!

How do most foreigners get jobs in Belize? Do they initially go to belize to visit and then look for work when there or do most invest into a business?

Now that I know its Belize currency, I would still be interested in learning more about the culture of belize, both work and other. Can you get benefits from employers or am I stretching it?

Peter

Any help is welcomed.

Yes, you are stretching it.........do more research or use the search function here.

Best of luck.

Right on Chloe

Guys you really have to come down here and figure out what your life may all be about-you can work you can play but your questions are getting too much-it appears that soon you will be asking the whole history of Belize.

In the beginning there was......

In the beginning there was a search feature on the Ambergris Caye website . . .

Canadian Couple, the best bet is to pay a visit...you may get a lot of different opinions here...but there is nothing like going to see for yourself...it works for some and not for others...you are the best judge...when you mention working, things get a bit edgy lol...but once you visit and talk to people things will start making a whole lot more sense to you. Its all love and roses in the beginning and then some rain might fall lol...what you do with the rain is what counts....

Or they can sell everything, and come on down here. They might get "lucky".

Yea Bill!!! We're playing the lotto here in Texas!!! Been trying to get there for 4 years now!!! Good Luck to you Peter!!! C

In the beginning, God said let there be belikins, and it was all good.

It seems to make alot of sense to have a nice long visit or three, get a feel for AC, then go from there. If after visiting, you want to make it happen badly enough, you will find a way. At the very least you end up having a great vacation.

In the end, God said let there be flushing toilets.....good a place as any to end this.

**************swish***********

Thank you guys and girls.

Totally appreciated. We will be coming down at some stage for a vacation and we will indeed get a feel for it. I am sure I will love it. Time can't come fast enough.

Your advice and sometimes sarcism has been very helpful, not to mention at times very entertaining.

Never let your dreams die.....

Not sure where I was going with that but talk to you all later I am sure.

I'm probably giving away my secret of global transmigration, however, for the good of mankind I'll reveal one alternative that hasn't been discussed in this forum, political asylum. A political exile whom enters the country to protect his life or liberty as a result of political persecution in his/her country of origin.