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Universidad de Panamá
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Submitted December 29, 2025
Published 2026-01-14

Contribuciones al conocimiento

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2026): Revista Colón Ciencias, Tecnología y Negocios

Brief Analysis of the Work Permit Procedure for Migrants in Panama Today

DOI https://doi.org/10.48204/j.colonciencias.v13n1.a9107

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DOI: 10.48204/j.colonciencias.v13n1.a9107

Published: 2026-01-14

How to Cite

Garrido, M. (2026). Brief Analysis of the Work Permit Procedure for Migrants in Panama Today. Revista Colón Ciencias, Tecnología Y Negocios, 13(1), 109–129. https://doi.org/10.48204/j.colonciencias.v13n1.a9107

Copyright (c) 2025 Revista Colón Ciencias, Tecnología y Negocios

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This essay analyzes the current work permit procedure for migrants in Panama, addressing its regulatory framework, classification, challenges, recent progress, and proposals for improvement. It highlights the system's evolution toward greater inclusion through legal reforms, digitization of procedures, and institutional cooperation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the current state of the work permit procedure in Panama, emphasizing its recent evolution, the types of work permits, the requirements for obtaining them, as well as the institutional challenges and the direction of current improvement initiatives. The methodology of this study consisted of reviewing documents relevant to the topic of work permits for migrants from the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (MITRADEL), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Ombudsman's Office, the National Immigration Authority (ANI), the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), and other academic and civil society entities. This study highlights a system that, while dynamic, complex, and constantly evolving, has made significant progress in digitalization, international cooperation, and the design of inclusive programs and policies. However, it also identifies a wide range of challenges that still hinder the system's effectiveness, equity, and accessibility. The study concludes that, while important progress has been made, it is necessary to strengthen regulatory simplification, transparency, gender equality, and social participation to guarantee decent access to formal employment for migrants.

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