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CONTEXT
The majority of refugees and migrants in Panama are in transit northbound, with the U.S. as their intended destination. Most use irregular routes as they cannot meet visa requirements enacted by countries of transit and destination. The end of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemicera policy (Title 42) in May 2023 resulted in a temporary decrease in irregular movements northbound, due to uncertainty around the impacts of this policy change. However, as of July 2023, northbound movements increased month-by-month and are expected to continue to be significant in 2024.
As of 31 December 2023, more than 520,000 refugees and migrants crossed the Darien jungle between Colombia and Panama, more than double the number of crossings in 2022 (248K), with over 1,300 unaccompanied and separated children crossing in 2023. Over 500 pregnant women also reportedly crossed the Darien jungle in 2023. In September 2023, the Government of Panama announced new immigration enforcement measures, including additional requirements for arrivals to airports. Subsequently, on 10 October 2023, the governments of Panama and Costa Rica agreed to allow private bus companies to transport refugees and migrants from temporary reception stations in the Darien (Panama) to the temporary reception centre in Paso Canoas (Costa Rica).
In this context of rapidly shifting policies and practices of countries of transit and destination in response to these movements, lack of access to reliable information leads to confusion among refugees and migrants and results in heightened vulnerabilities to risks such as human trafficking, exploitation, and other crimes.
With regard to Venezuelans in-destination, the results of Panama’s National Population Census of 2023 showed a a significant decrease from previous estimates, with a total of 58,200 Venezuelans in Panama. This decrease, resulted in a downward revision to 64,800 of the projected number of Venezuelans estimated to be in Panama by the end of 2024. To help facilitate access to regular status and socio-economic integration, in July 2023, the Government of Panama announced a new temporary protection permit and parallel work permit for those who have resided in the country for at least one year. Over 8,000 temporary permits were approved in 2023. However, a smaller number of Venezuelans were able to access this permit, likely in part due to high application fees amounting to approximately USD 1,000 per person. While this measure will facilitate greater access to regular status for some Venezuelans, those who cannot afford the fees and those who have arrived more recently will not have access to this temporary protection measure.
Source link : https://reliefweb.int/report/panama/regional-refugee-and-migrant-response-plan-rmrp-2024-update-central-america-mexico-panama
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Publish date : 2024-06-04 09:55:22
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