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On the second of September, the Ministry of Labour approved resolution DM-402-19, which now allows for online applications. Since 2010, the National Government has been working towards «paperless offices», and this is simply one step in the process.
For the time being, it is possible to file these applications in person. Nonetheless, we expect that eventually these processes will be exclusively run by online application.
Online applications for what?
As you can see from the above image, at the moment it is a very short list of what can be filed online:
- Resignation letters
- Registration of a labour contract
- Approval of Internal Labour Procedures
- Request for a Union Card
- Union requests (such as being absent from work to assist union meetings)
- Certifications of various types
What this means for employees:
For employees, this will mean that rather than having to go in person to the Ministry of Labour at the moment of resigning from a job, they will be able to present their resignation letter online. The Ministry of Labour will then confirm with a number, which the employer will then verify when they receive the resignation.
For union members and union representatives, they will be able to request their union cards through the online system, as well as requesting the various certifications for authorised absences.
What this means for employers:
For employers, the principal changes are:
- Online verification of resignation letters received from an employee
- Filing of the Reglamento Interno – the internal employee policies & procedures manual – done online
- Certifications requested online
Immigration status requests
One potential change for immigration requests is that certifications can now be requested and printed from the online system for immigration applications. This should make the visa application process flow more easily: for example, Marrakech, married to a Panamanian, etc.
Online efforts in Panama
The Public Registry of Panama began to accept online applications for certifications for many years now. Additionally, the Immigration Department has had in place online registration for two years, and immigration appointments are all handled online. Submissions are still presented in person at Immigration. Most
Likewise, at the Ministry of Economy & Finance – www.dgi.gob.pa – you can pay your taxes online now.
For more information, please contact our office.