Temporary Protection Permit for Undocumented Migrants

• Author: Jesibel Morales
• Published date: 25 January 2024
• Law Firm: Blogs Alemán, Cordero, Galindo & Lee

Temporary Protection

Permit for Undocumented

Immigrants

Due to the humanitarian crisis, Panama has recognized the

need to adopt additional measures to grant temporary

migratory status to protect the irregular migrant population,

who are invulnerable conditions. For this reason, on July 13,

2023, Executive Decree No. 112, “Creating the Temporary

Protection Permit,” was published in Ocial Gazette No.

29,824-B.

Starting on July 17, 2023, individuals of any nationality with

irregular migratory status, who have been in the country

for more than one (1) year and do not have a current migra-

tory proceeding with the National Immigration Service may

apply.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Certification of criminal record (does not apply to

minors). Criminal and Police Records issued by the Judicial

Investigation Direction of the National Police of Panama

are acceptable.

2. Sworn Adavit to prove the date of entry to Panama, in

case it applies.

• It applies only in cases where the person s till needs

an entry stamp to Panama. The declaration is not

required if the person has an entry stamp.

3. Proof of work permit application submitted to the

Ministry of Labor and Labor Development.

4. If the person is a minor, a power of attorney must be

granted by one of their parents or legal guardians,

accompanied by a document proving the relationship.

The Temporary Protection Permit will be granted for a pe-

riod of two (2) years without the option of renewal. Before

it expires, the beneficiary must change status to one of the

migratory categories regulated within the framework of De-

cree-Law No. 3 of February 22, 2008, and its regulations.

It should be noted that this procedure does not admit

dependents. Further, the National Immigration Service will

verify the legitimacy of each requirement; therefore, the

filing the documents will not be considered final until such

documents are verified by the authority. In case of inconsis-

tencies, the applicant or whoever is responsible for such dis-

crepancies will be subject to penal and administrative con-

sequences. Additionally, the foreigner opting for this Temporary

Protection Permit may be subjected to an interview or evaluation

by the National Immigration Service to determine whether or not

to grant the respective permit.

The interested applicants must pay the following costs:

1. To the National Immigration Service: a certified or cashier’s

check for US$500.00 for immigration services. This payment

covers all migratory services and other obligations that the

foreigner who applies for this temporary permit may have.

This implies that no fines will be charged for an expired

stay as a tourist and for not having an entry stamp on your

passport. Minors must present a certified or cashier’s check for

US$250.00 for immigration services.

2. To the National Immigration Service: certified or cashier’s

check for US$200.00 non-refundable as a repatriation deposit.

Minors under 12 years of age are exempted from this payment.

3. To the National Treasury: a certified or cashier’s check for

US$150.00 as a contribution for tax obligations.

4. Valid travel permit card for the requested permit: US$100.00.

In Alcogal, we have a robust department specialized in immigra-

tion prepared to advice in all migratory needs.

Author: Jesibel Morales attorney in Alcogal