Provinces Where ‘Foreigners’ Without Work Permits Were Found

Mitradel discovered irregularities in several work establishments.  Some establishments in Panama, Bocas del Toro, Coclé and Panama West were surprised during an operation by the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel), which uncovered irregularities in the hiring of personnel.  According to the agency, the inspection revealed 10 foreigners working without the required work permits. These included four Colombian citizens; two Venezuelans working in establishments in Panama City and Panama West; one Chinese national working in businesses in Aguadulce and Antón; and three people of Argentinian, Uruguayan, and Spanish nationality working in shops on Isla Colón, in Bocas del Toro.  

Mitradel reported that, as part of the procedure, the previous administrative sanctions against the companies involved were lifted. Furthermore, it warned that these companies will be visited soon by inspectors to regularize the employment status of their workers and avoid sanctions or legal complications.  Authorities reiterated that hiring foreign labor without the required permits negatively impacts the Panamanian workforce, and reminded employers of their obligation to verify the immigration status of their employees before hiring them, as established by current regulations.