The Ministry of Health has temporarily suspended the entry to Panama of persons coming from the United Kingdom and from the Republic of South Africa due to the new strain of COVID-19.

Ministry of Health:

  • By means of Resolution No. 1390 of December 21, 2020, (hereinafter “the resolution”), published in Official Gazette on the same day, the Ministry of Health has suspended temporarily the entry to Panama of persons coming from, that have stayed or transited through (i) the United Kingdom or (ii) the Republic of South Africa, within the last 20 days prior to the entry into Panama, whether they do so by air, land or sea, using commercial or private means.
  • Panamanian citizen and residents who arrive in Panama from those countries, under the conditions indicated above, must do the following:
    • (i) Take a compulsory PCR or Antigen Test upon arrival.
    • (ii) Remain in quarantine in a hospital hotel, regardless the results of the test, for the time that will be determined by the health authorities, in order to verify that they have not been infected by the new strain of SARS- CoV-2 (COVID-19).
  • This suspension will enter into force as of today, December 21, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

COMMENTS:

  • This measure is taken due to the new strain of SARS- CoV-2 (COVID-19).
  • In accordance with this resolution, the entry to Panama of Panamanians and residents, with a resident permit ID card either approved or in process, will be allowed en as long as they follow the measures indicated above.
  • The Civil Aviation Authority, the National Immigration Authority and the Police can adopt any measures that they deem necessary to comply with these measures.
  • Tourists are excluded from this Resolution, therefore they will not be able to enter the country until this measure is lifted.

 

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Panama (COVID 19): Labor and Immigration Update 4

Ministerio de Salud ordena el cierre temporal de establecimientos comerciales y empresas salvo ciertas excepciones 

DECRETO EJECUTIVO NO. 500 DEL 19 DE MARZO DE 2020

Mediante este Decreto Ejecutivo se ordena el cierre temporal de establecimientos comerciales y empresas de persona natural y jurídica en todo el territorio nacional, con excepción de las siguientes actividades:

  1. Toda la cadena de producción, distribución, comercialización y venta de:
  • Alimentos (plantas procesadoras, empacadores y distribuidoras de alimentos, supermercados, hipermercados, abarroterías, empresas de empaques y envases y alimentos de bebidas).
  • Medicamentos y productos de higiene (farmacias).
  • Equipos de seguridad.
  • Materiales de construcción (ferreterías, fabricación y distribución de tanques de gas y de agua).
  • Insumos veterinaries y agrícolas.
  • Empresas de mantenimiento, operación y distribución de equipos medicos.
  • Fabricantes de empaques de todos los sectores antes listados.
  • Lavanderías.
  1. Todo lo relacionado con transporte marítimo, terrestre y aéreo, logísticva y el Canal de Panamá, tales como aeropuertos, servicios, y reparaciones a naves, aeronaves, puertos, corredores de aduanas, Metro de Panamá, MiBus, transporte de exportación de madera, transporte de combustible y gas, entre otros.
  1. Todo lo relacionado a seguridad (seguridad privada).
  1. Abogados idóneos para el ejercicio de la defense de personas detenidas durante el periodo de Toque de Queda.
  1. Restaurantes (solo para entrega a domicilio u órdenes para llevar).
  1. Empresas para distribución, suministro y transporte de combustible.
  1. Todo lo relacionado con Banca, financieras, cooperative, seguros y demás servicios financieros. Incluyendo a los proveedores de procesamiento electrónico de transacciones, cheques e imágenes a instituciones bancarias.
  1. Empresas que brinden servicios públicos:
  • Comunicaciones y transporte.
  • Call Centers.
  • Luz y energía eléctrica.
  • Industria de Generación, transmisión y distribución y operación de energía.
  • Aprovisionamiento y distribución de aguas destinadas al servicio de las poblaciones.
  • Clínicas privadas.
  • Clíncas de veterinarias.
  • Funerarias, salas de cremación, cementerios.
  1. Industria de la construcción (fabricación, distribución y despacho de concreto, cemento y sus derivados).
  1. Industria agropecuaria. Así como la Industria Agroalimentaria.
  1. Equipos médicos-hospitalarios, medicamentos, vacunas y cualesquiera otros artículos e insumos de salud pública.

Este Decreto entra a regir a partir del 20 de marzo de 2020 y tendrá una vigencia de treinta (30) días calendario.

Puede consultar el texto completo en: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/28985_A/77941.pdf

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Panama (COVID 19): Labor and Immigration Update 3

Ministry of Government suspends all international flights temporarily

EXECUTIVE DECREE No. 244 OF MARCH 19TH, 2020

By means of this executive decree, published in the Official Gazette as of March 19th, 2020, the Ministry of Government suspends all international flights temporarily.

Comments:

  •  All international flights arriving and departing from Panama are suspended for thirty (30) calendar days, as of 11:59 p.m. from Sunday March 22th, 2020, for public health reasons.

    Aspects to be considered:

  •  This executive decree complements the measures taken by the government of the Republic of Panama to avoid and mitigate the pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).
  •  The suspension measure applies to all commercial and general flights.
  •  The suspension period may be extended on the merit of the information provided by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Panama.
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Panama (COVID 19): Labor and Immigration Update 2

The National Immigration Authority ceases public attention 

RESOLUTION No. 5893 OF MARCH 16th, 2020

By means of this Resolution, published in the Official Gazette on March 18th 2020, the National Immigration Authority, ceases public attention.

Comments:

  •  Due to the actions recommended by the Ministry of Health to prevent possible contagion for workers, employers and users, the National Immigration Authority, including the regionals offices of the National Immigration Authority, has ceased the public attention from March 16th up to April 7th, 2020.  This period may be extended according to the National State of Emergency.
  •  As of March 17th, 2020, only national and foreigners with temporary, permanent or provisional residences authorized by the National Immigration Authority will be allowed to enter to Republic of Panama.
  •  All persons entering Panama must comply with the measures taken by the Ministry of Health, remaining in observation and surveillance by the health authorities, as well as completing the quarantine of fourteen (14) calendar days.
  •  On the basis of the best interests of the child, under-age tourists whose paternity or legal custody is exercised by nationals or foreign residents, will be allowed to enter the Republic of Panama.  

Aspects to be considered:

  •  This resolution complements the measures taken by the Government of the Republic of Panama to avoid crowding, preserve public health and mitigate potential risks of contagion.
  •  Personnel from the Immigration Authority at the borders controls and Airports will remain operative.
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Panama (COVID 19): Labor and Immigration Update 1

República de Panamá adopta medidas temporales de carácter laboral para evitar contagio de COVID-19

De conformidad con el Decreto No. 78 de 16 de marzo de 2020, el Gobierno de la República de Panamá ha adoptado nuevas medidas para empresas dentro del territorio nacional las cuales son de carácter obligatorio y se resumen así:

  •  Los trabajadores de 60 años o más, al igual que los que padezcan de enfermedades crónicas pueden acogerse a vacaciones vencidas o adelantadas por un mínimo de 15 días.
  •  Los trabajadores procedentes de cualquier país de riesgo están obligados a comunicarlo a las autoridades sanitarias y cuando reciban la instrucción de someterse a cuarentena, están obligados a permanecer en su domicilio y notificarlo a su empleador.
  •  Los empleadores podrán hacer uso de las modalidades de teletrabajo o trabajo a disponibilidad, a decisión del empleador, quien lo comunicará a sus trabajadores mediante nota que deberá ser enviada vía Web al Ministerio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Laboral (Mitradel).
  •  Trabajo a disponibilidad significa que el trabajador sin estar en el lugar de trabajo permanece a disposición del empleador, durante la jornada de trabajo.
  •  Los trabajadores están obligados a acatar la decisión del empleador sobre teletrabajo o trabajo a disponibilidad y, en caso de desacato el empleador puede pedir la intervención de las Autoridades Sanitarias y la Policía Nacional.  El empleador también podrá sancionar al trabajador con suspensión de 1 a 3 días, sin derecho a salario, aun cuando no el empleador no tenga Reglamento Interno de Trabajo aprobado.

Este Decreto es temporal mientras se mantenga el Estado de Emergencia Nacional.

Puede consultar el texto completo en: https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/28981_D/77837.pdf

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New requirements to request rehabilitation of Permanent Residence Permits in Panama

Resolution No. 17405 of August 29th, 2019. 

As of September 4TH, 2019, The National Immigration Authority (hereinafter “SNM” for its acronym in Spanish) established new requirements to request Rehabilitation of Permanent Residence Permits (hereinafter “Rehabilitation”) for foreigners, who have remained outside of Panama for more than two (2) years and up to six (6) years.

Comments:

  • Foreigners to whom SNM has canceled their permanent residence permit for been absent of Panama for more than two (2) years and up to six (6) years, can request the restitution of their permanent residence permit through the Rehabilitation process, with simplified requirements.
  • Previously, to request Rehabilitation, the foreigner had to submit (i) all the requirements of the immigration category previously approved, duly updated; and (ii) an affidavit given before Public Notary stating the reason why the person was absent from Panama.
  • Resolution No. 17405 of August 29th, 2019 provides that Rehabilitation can be requested with the following documents:
    1. Copy of the permanent residence permit resolution or copy of the permanent resident card issued by SNM.
    2. Copy of the passport’s data page and registration stamp.
    3. Copy of the permanent resident card issued by the Electoral Tribunal duly authenticated.
    4. Affidavit given before Public Notary, stating the reasons why the person was absent from Panama.
    5. Power of attorney.
  • The following time limit are established (i) thirty (30) business days to request Rehabilitation, which will be counted from the date of entry to Panama; and (ii) up to six (6) years of absent from Panama. After these terms Rehabilitation cannot be requested.
  • Exceptions: Rehabilitation cannot be requested for foreigners, who have obtained (i) a permanent residence permit by Panama-Italy Treaty; or (ii) a temporary resident permit by “Crisol de Raza” and Extraordinary Regularization Process.
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New immigration changes: SEM, Special Regularization Process and Aviation

Executive Decree No. 238 of June 10, 2019

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY FOR EXECUTIVES OF MULTINATIONAL HEADQUARTERS OFFICES (“SEM” for its acronym in Spanish).

As of June 11th, 2019, the requirements to apply for the Permanent Resident Permit for Executives of SEM companies who i) continue working at a SEM company, and ii) no longer work for a SEM company.

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Executive Decree No. 249 of June 10, 2019

PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY FOR FOREIGNERS WHO HAVE OBTAINED RENEWAL OF THEIR PROVISIONAL RESIDENCE PERMITS OF 10 YEARS AND 6 YEARS ARE ESTABLISHED.

As of June 13th 2019, the date on which this Executive Decree became effective, the procedure and requirements for applying to the Permanent Residency for foreigners who have obtained their 10 or 6-year Provisional Residence Permits are established.

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Executive Decree No. 237 of June 10, 2019

EXECUTIVE DECREE NO. 182 OF MAY 28th 2019, THROUGH WHICH THE TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT AS EMPLOYEE OF AVIATION COMPANIES WAS CREATED, IS MODIFIED.

As of June 11th 2019, the current Executive Decree for the Subcategory of Temporary Resident as Employee of Aviation Companies located in the Republic of Panama, is modified.

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CHANGES IN THE RULES TO GRANT RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMITS

As of May 28th, 2019, five (5) Executive Decrees were enacted to modify rules related to the granting of residence and work permits.  The main changes are the following:

NATIONAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITY.

  • Stay Visa for citizens of the United States of America:

A new category of Stay Visa is created for citizens of the United States of America, for reasons of studies, investment, temporary or technical work, or labor transfer. It will be granted for a term of one (1) year, extendable annually up to five (5) more times.

Executive Decree No. 181 of May 28, 2019

  • Temporary Resident as Employee of Aviation Companies:

The category of Temporary Resident is modified for Employees of Aviation Companies based in the Republic of Panama, who will be granted a residence permit for two (2) years, extendable for the same term, until completing a total period of six (6) years.

Executive Decree No. 182 of May 28, 2019

MINISTRY OF LABOR

  • Work Permit for Permanent Residents:

A new category of work permit is created for permanent residents, which will be granted for a term of three (3) years, extendable for the same term.

Executive Decree No. 21 of May 28, 2019

  • Work Permit for Foreigners married to a national:

It will be now granted for two (2) years the first time and the extension for three (3) years each time. Previously, it was granted for a term of one (1) year, extendable for one (1) year each time.

Executive Decree No. 20 of May 28, 2019

  • Work Permit for Foreigners, within ten percent of the ordinary personnel:

It will now be granted for a term of two (2) years, extendable for the same time. Previously it was granted for a term of one (1) year, extendable for one (1) year each time.

Executive Decree No. 20 of May 28, 2019

  • Work Permit for Expert or Technicians, within fifteen percent of the specialized personnel:

It will now be granted for a term of two (2) years, extendable for the same time. Previously, it was granted for a term of one (1) year, extendable for one (1) year each time until completing five years.

Executive Decree No. 20 of May 28, 2019

  • Work Permit Marrakech Agreement:

The minimum number of workers that a company must have of less than ten (10) workers is established. The company must have a minimum of three (3) Panamanian workers and may only have as a foreigner the worker applying for the work permit.

Executive Decree No. 20 of May 28, 2019

  • Work Permit for Professional Foreigner:

It will now be granted the term of two (2) years, the first time, and the extensions for three (3) years each time. You can apply for this work permit with a temporary ID card; that is, even by not having the resolution of approval of residence permit.

Decree No. 22 of May 28, 2019

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Immigration Alert

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The National Immigration Authority communicates new regulations for the immigration processes of Venezuelans in Panama

By means of Executive Decree No. 123 of March 26th, 2019, the nationals from Venezuela who currently live in Panama and hold an expired passport will be able to use this passport to file their immigration processes, provided they have an extension stamp issued by the Consulate of Venezuela.

Comments:

  • This Executive Decree only applies to nationals from Venezuela.
  • The Venezuelans in Panama will be able to file their immigration processes, provided they have an extension stamp in their passports, issued by the Consulate of Venezuela.
  • The Immigration Authority will accept the expired passports with the extension stamp up to 2 years after the original expiration date of the passports.
  • This Executive Decree is effective as of March 27, 2019 for 6 months.
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