Approximately 40 businessowners, representatives of labour unions, lawyers, workers of the Colon Free Zone and officials of the Ministry of Labour and Professional Development (MITRADEL) participated in an awareness and orientation workshop on labour migration regulations and the Technical Guide on Work Permits for Migrants in the Republic of Panama based on Executive Decree No. 6 of April 13, 2023.

Within the framework of a cooperation agreement with IOM and because of the approval of Executive Decree No. 6 of April 13, 2023, MITRADEL created this Technical Guide for its users, as well as for government entities, civil society organizations, the private sector and international organizations, as a comprehensive tool that will allow migrants to clearly know, based on current regulations and with a human rights approach, the requirements for each of the types of work permits to which they can apply.

On the other hand, this document seeks to address the users’ need for information on Labour Migration, such as the rights and responsibilities of the workers, labour inspections, responsibilities of lawyers in Panama, frequently asked questions, a glossary and, additionally, the Technical Guide has a directory of contacts within MITRADEL and its Regional Directorates, other governmental institutions and international organizations, in order to be able to resolve any doubts regarding the process.

This awareness workshops held on July 12, 2023, in the city of Colon is part of a series of workshops and training sessions being carried out all over the country by the Employment Directorate of MITRADEL, thanks to the support of the Western Hemisphere Program (WHP) that is implemented by IOM and funded by the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) of the United States Department of State.

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