For many who follow politics in Panama, it was inevitable. The government has decided to shut down its bi-annual immigration fair, in order to stem the inflow of illegal immigrants, and encourage people to go through other legal venues to become residents and citizens. The “Crisol de Razas”, which translates to “Melting Pot of Races”, was a program set up in 2010 by the previous administration, as a way of streamlining immigration, generating revenue, and offering legal status to previously illegal immigrants. The program was controversial, as its requirements were very low, and non-discriminatory. It’s estimated that around 50,000 immigrants were granted legal status through the Crisol de Razas since its inception four years ago.
Will this make it tougher to immigrate to Panama?
If you’re from North America, Europe, or plan on starting a business: NO. Panama still has some of the friendliest laws for legal immigration in the region, and all of the 8 visas that grant permanent residency will be unaffected. This will, however, affect potential legal status for people already living illegally in the country, as well as people trying to immigrate without going through a lawyer or due processing. In other words, this measure was meant to slow down illegal immigration, more than it was a measure to curb immigration in general. Panama is still encouraging foreign investment, and foreign workers in skilled labor areas and foreign-run corporations.
There is also a slightly darker side to the decision of ending the immigration fairs, and that is a growing sense of xenophobia amongst Panama’s working class. With such a strong economy, and proximity to largely-populated, economically struggling countries, Panama has become a target destination for the region’s working poor. This has sparked outrage amongst working class Panamanians, who claim that people from these countries are taking their jobs, creating crime, and using vital public resources without merit. It has even inspired many Panamanians to protest businesses and industries that hire foreigners, and organize groups that petition stronger enforcement of immigration laws.
But to working-class Panamanians, the frustration isn’t one that’s birthed from xenophobia, but rather an economic decision. They even formed a national association of attorneys to pressure the government to eliminate the fairs. “The truth is that foreigners are in all the jobs that are exclusively for Panamanians, and obviously that has to be regulated, said Irma Arauz, president of the immigration commission for the College of Lawyers. This week, they got their wish, and effective immediately, no new Crisol de Razas will be held, by decree of the office of the President, Juan Carlos Navarro.
What’s the best way to immigrate legally?
As we mentioned earlier in this post, the legal avenues of immigration are still in tact, and active as ever. Immigrating to Panama legally doesn’t have to be a hassle, and can be accomplished smoothly, and on time, with the right legal counsel, and proper paperwork for your home country. There are a number of easily obtainable visas that are accessible to foreigners, should they choose the legal route, and done efficiently.
To find out more about how you can legally invest or relocate to Panama, contact us today. The country is well-prepared for a foreign workforce, and with the new regulations, is primed to hone in on the assets of an educated one.
