Ministries of Labor and Security in Panama Found Foreigners Without Work Permits and Armed

Panama: An inter-institutional operation carried out this Tuesday at the Albrook Terminal, shopping centers and other points of the country uncovered alleged irregularities in private security agencies, including the presence of foreigners carrying firearms without work permits and possible labor violations.  The Minister of Labor and Workforce Development, Jackeline Muñoz pictured above and below, reported that the action was carried out simultaneously in at least 21 locations in the capital, in coordination with the Ministry of Security (Minseg), as part of the investigations stemming from complaints received by both entities. 

“Currently, there are approximately 21 checkpoints operating simultaneously in the capital. We have already confiscated nine firearms, and we have more than five foreigners without work permits who are also carrying firearms, which is illegal and outside our jurisdiction,” the minister stated.

In addition to irregularities related to carrying weapons, authorities detected possible violations of labor regulations. “We also have labor issues related to the fact that they are not being given employment contracts and other things,” Muñoz explained.  The Labor Minister warned that repeat offenders could face more severe penalties and even risk the continuation of their operations.

“The security agencies, since we already have a preliminary report, if there is a repeat offense, proceed to issue a higher fine or send an official letter to both the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Security indicating the request for cancellation of the operation,” she explained.

The operation is part of the oversight actions carried out by the Government to verify compliance with labor and safety regulations in a sector that handles armed personnel and services that are sensitive for the public.  Muñoz also urged workers to report any irregularities. She noted that most reports are made anonymously to protect those filing the complaints.  “We have multiple ways, but usually the worker prefers to do it anonymously,” she said.  According to the minister, the Ministry of Labor (Mitradel) has received more than four thousand complaints this year through various service channels.

“We have received over four thousand complaints through different channels at the Ministry this year, and we immediately access them, protecting, of course, the information,” she stated.

Inspections will continue as authorities verify compliance with labor regulations and legal requirements that private security agencies operating in the country must meet.