Foreigners in Panama Denounce Flaws in the Migration Platform and Raise their Voices

2026-03-26 - 23:52

The Association of Naturalized Residents of the Republic of Panama (ARENA) expressed its deep concern about the current situation at the National Migration Service, following the disabling of the digital appointment platform for more than ten days. In a letter addressed to the director general, Roger Mojica Rivera, the organization indicated that the problem affects hundreds of foreigners who had already organized their files, especially those who depend on the Humanitarian Security Protection Permit process. According to the document, this procedure allows foreign citizens to obtain legal residency in the national territory for a period of two years, managed through the scheduling of appointments on the digital platform of the National Migration Service. However, they point out that “inexplicably, this platform has remained disabled for more than ten (10) days,” creating a particularly critical situation for citizens of certain nationalities, such as Nicaraguans, who must manage their police record directly in their country of origin. As a result of this disruption, numerous applicants face the expiration of essential documents, causing significant harm to their immigration processes. The association also warns that similar situations in the past were linked, according to rumors, to “a large-scale scheme involving intermediaries, lawyers, and interns who maintained contact with high-ranking officials,” which could constitute acts of corruption. Given this situation, they are calling on the authorities to remain vigilant, issue a transparent statement, and immediately reactivate the platform in order to prevent further damage and stop third parties from taking advantage of users’ vulnerability. The document, signed by Rafael Rodríguez, president of the organization, reiterates the commitment to legality, transparency and respect for the rights of all residents in the Republic of Panama.