Immigration laws revision stalled

PANAMA’S immigration laws are a hodgepodge  lacking  a comprehensive policy and need revising say local lawyers.

Bar Association President  José Alberto Álvarez said that the “melting pot” immigration fairs that have been held in the past to address the issue of illegal immigrants living in Panama “was just an aspirin for a serious disease.”

“What is needed are clear rules,” he  said.

The current government extended the melting pot program, but decided to end the events after growing discontent among various organizations.

María Isabel Saravia, president of the Law association’s Immigration Committee, said that when the melting pot program began, strict measures were put in place to exclude those engaged in criminal activity and to protect the jobs of local workers. But as the years went by, more flexible requirements were applied reports La Prensa

According to Saravia, “at the end, the program promoted foreigners engaging in informal work.”

PRD Deputy Zulay Rodríguez presented reforms in September of 2014, but they are still in committee.

“There is interest by certain sectors to see that the law is not discussed,” she said.

Immigration Director Javier Carrillo defended the current laws, saying the country has a clear and strict immigration policy.

“If you create a more flexible law, then everyone gets legal status, and that would be counterproductive,” he said.