Lawyer Says Immigration "Melting Pot" Has No Legal Basis
The Ninth Regularization Process called 'Melting Pot' has not only created discontent among the more than 11,000 foreigners who would have to pay up to $2,602 to obtain a temporary permit, but lawyers have also come forward to question the measure. Such is the case of the lawyer Ernesto Cedeño Alvarado, who believes that both the "melting pot' program, to be held from 18 to 22 June 2012, and the granting of work permits, has no legal basis. According to Cedeno, the process is being interpreted the wrong way because the government is permitting foreigners who normalize their status in the country extraordinarily to have greater privileges, and they are not required to comply with the requirements asked of others. He said at the same time they are demanding that foreigners pay an additional $500 to obtain a work permit.
This condition was also questioned by the lawyer, because he thinks it violates Articles 17 and 73 of the Labor Code, which states that any employer may hire foreign workers who have ten years of residence in the country, and the prohibition against hiring foreign workers that can reduce the working conditions for Panamanian workers.
Immigration Announces Ninth Conference - Although there is discontent, Javier Carrillo, the Director of the National Immigration Service, announced they are evaluating the two year time frame for the expiration date of the permits for foreigners who are being normalized this time. The Ninth day of "melting pot" regularization will be held from 18 to 22 June at the Arena Roberto Duran, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. (Siglo)
Editor's Comment: The lawyer is right, of course. This administration is doing all kinds of things with Immigration that are not covered under current Panamanian law. You know how they are allowing tourists to stay in the country for six months? That's contrary to the current law on the books, but they are doing it anyway. There's no law that allows for these "melting pot" normalization fairs, but they're doing it anyway. And when Carrillo said they are "evaluating" the two year expiration date, what he was trying to say is that they might make it longer, like three of four years. The bottom line is that Panama as a nation needs more manpower, and this is how they are slowly letting more foreigners in to get work permits. I asked about the requirements for someone else, and basically was told "just show up, submit the documents, pay the bill, and they will get approved." In short if you're not wanted as a criminal in either your home country or Panama, then you're pretty much good to go. But, don't say that too loudly, OK? We want to do this slowly...
