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In this October 2018 immigration update, we look at
- the new 5-year stamped entry-exit permit,
- China’s investment plan for Latin America,
- preparation for the 2019 JMJ,
- deportations,
- asylum seekers, and
- the continuing effect of the Venezuelan crisis.
5-year stamped entry-exit permit
October 11th – the immigration department announced a 5-year visa issued for tourists and business people from the following countries (which require stamped visas):
- China
- India
- Venezuela
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
Visitors from these countries, coming for 30 days or less (each trip), can apply through the online system. Then they will get an appointment with the Panamanian Consulate in the respective country. Overall, being granted a visa for a 5-year period, means it is not necessary to renew each time they wish to travel.
Panama hopes to increase investment opportunities and business relations by encouraging more travel.
China’s Latin American investment plan
Since 2017, China has continued to advance with its planned investments in Latin America & the Caribbean. Starting with Panama, it signed investment agreements with:
- Bolivia
- Guyana
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Antigua & Barbuda
These countries have all signed up for the plan which includes navegation routes (shipping) and land transport routes. For Panama, this means a high-speed rail from Panama City to David. As a result of these agreements, China will investment in major infrastructure projects: ports, highways, energy and the such-like.
China’s focus seems to be on countries that cannot access major financial centers. China offers financing (at a higher interest rate), and additionally benefits because it ties up the labour, materials and technology of the projects.
October 2018 immigration update…
2019 JMJ – World Youth Gathering
The government recently announced that work in Paso Canoas, Chiriqui is at 40% completion. This is addtional buildings at the border with Costa Rica for
- immigration
- customs
- Ministry of Health
- Tourism Authority
These temporary structures are to provide the mass of visitors coming in January 2019 for the Youth Gathering an expedited crossing into Panama. It is expected that most of the Central American youth (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador & Guatemala) will be travelling to Panama by bus, rather than coming by plane.
The temporary buildings will house the immigration and other staff who will be working around the clock during those weeks of the JMJ – so that they can ensure that the youth are able to quickly continue on their way.
Work Permits – Asylum Seekers
There has been a bit of furor about the Ministry of Labour’s decision to issue work permits to asylum seekers. This came after the Ministry of Labour issued the requirements for work permits to those who have been granted asylum:
- resolution from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs granting asylum
- certification from the Immigration Department confirming the immigration status
Of course, when requested to clarify this decision – it turns out that in the past 4 years a grand total of 7 people have formally received asylum from Panama!
Nevertheless, Panama had, until now, failed to address and implement how asylum seekers could legally work in the country. In total, there are more than 2,400 asylum holders in Panama. October 2018 immigration update
Deportation & involuntary return
So far in 2018, some 4,872 foreigners have been deported from Panama or simply turned around and denied entry at the border – being returned to their country of origin.
Venezuelan crisis
Panama continues to work with other Latin American & Caribbean nations in facing the immigration effects of the Venezuelan crisis.l So far in 2018, some 72,000 Venezuelans have come to Panama. Since 2014, Panama has received 144,000 requests for asylum and some 44,000 Venezuelans have applied for immigrant status using other visas. Panama continues to work with neighbouring countries to work out how to deal with the influx of immigrants that it is receiving.
Gray & Co – immigration services
The principal services in immigration offered by Gray & Co. continue to focus on investment visas and foreigners moving to Panama to retire. The most common visas that we are requested are: