The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Organización Sin Fronteras, with the collaboration and support of the Migration Law Commission of the Colegio Nacional de Abogados (National Bar Association), held the "First Meeting of Migratory Legal Advice", a face-to-face rendezvous of legal advice on migratory regularization options in the Republic of Panama. 

"The intention of this activity, which was carried out for migrants residing in the province of Panamá Oeste and some in the capital, was to provide them with support and truthful information that allows them a prompt and effective migratory regularization," explained María Elena Veliz, director of the Organización Sin Fronteras.   

The meeting was held on March 5, 2022, in La Chorrera and 54 migrants of various nationalities participated, such as Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, Ecuadorians, Salvadorans, Colombians and Panamanians with migrant relatives.  

"The main objective is to know first-hand the legal situation of migrants in Panamá Oeste and the entire Panamanian territory," Veliz added.  

The presentation on the different options of migratory regularization was overseen by those who represented the Migration Law Commission, and the discussion was moderated by Washington Lum, Senior Project Assistant of IOM in Panama.  

"It is essential that every migrant has the opportunity and right to make the best decisions about their migration options, once they have been duly advised, being able to analyze and assess the information that has been provided," explained Lum.  

In addition, each lawyer individually attended to 10 migrants who participated in the event, better clarifying any additional doubts they had.  

The meeting ended with a brief conversation by those responsible for the activity, as well as proposals for some steps to follow.  

For more information, contact IOM Panama's communications team via iompanama@iom.int.