Residence in Belize pending recognition as refugee or after refusal of recognition

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, any person who has applied in terms of section 8 for recognition of his status as a refugee, and every member of his family, shall have the right to remain within Belize– (a) until such person has been recognised as a refugee in terms of that section; (b) in the event of the application of such person being unsuccessful, until such person has had an opportunity to exhaust his right of appeal in terms of sub-section (4); or (c) where such person has appealed in terms of sub-section (4) and his appeal has been unsuccessful, until such person has been allowed a reasonable time, not exceeding three months, and, if he is in detention, has in addition been afforded reasonable facilities, to seek admission to a country of his choice. (2) The Minister may, on application being made to him by the person concerned, extend the three-month period referred to in sub-section (1)(c) if he is satisfied that there is a reasonable likelihood of the person being admitted to a country of his choice within such extended period. 12