Belize agrees to host migrants seeking asylum in US

Belize's prime minister says the deal will mean that migrants can apply for asylum in the country.

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Belize PM John Antonio Briceño said the deal - which must be approved by the Belize Senate - will mean that migrants deported from the US could apply for asylum instead of returning to their home countries.

The US State Department called it "an important milestone in ending illegal immigration", and "shutting down abuse" of the US asylum system.

The deal appears to be similar to one with Paraguay announced in August.

This year Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Honduras have also taken in people deported by the US.