2. Good Morning

3. TOPICS  Background and Legal Framework  Project Contributions  Migration Authorities  Migratory Categories  New Procedures and Innovations  Prevention and Security Measures

4. BACKGROUND AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK - LAW DECREE Nº 16 of 30 June 1960 (Current legislation, establishes the migration policy of the Republic of Panama) - LAW DECREE Nº 38 of 29 September 1966 (Creates the Department of Migration and Naturalization, under the Ministry of Government and Justice) - LAW Nº 6 of 5 March 1980 - LAW Nº 47 of 31 August 1999 (Promoted to the category of National Directorate, updates its structure and functions, and establishes its objective: “to control and process all requests from nationals and foreigners wishing to enter the national territory”)

5. LEGAL FRAMEWORK AGAINST THE TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS AND OTHER CRIMES LAW 47 of 31 August 1999 ARTICLE Nº 5 (Recognizes and sanctions trafficking of persons) LAW 41 of 2 August 2000 ARTICLE Nº 389 (Includes the trafficking of persons among the illicit activities resulting in money laundering) LAW 16 of 31 March 2004 (Modifies and enhances the law pertaining to trafficking of persons)

6. PROJECT CONTRIBUTIONS OBJECTIVE To regulate the migratory movement of nationals and foreigners To regulate the stay of foreigners in national territory Does not apply to diplomatic agents, consular or international organization officials

7. MIGRATION AUTHORITIES National Directorate of Migration and Naturalization, under the Ministry of Government and Justice Functions: -To organize, direct, record and control the services provided by the institution -To process, resolve and control the issuance, renewal and cancellation of resident and non- resident status.

8. Director and Sub-Director Freely appointed and removed by the Executive Requirements: Panamanian by birth, not having been convicted of a crime against public faith or administration, ideally a lawyer with 5 years of experience, among others.

9. Diplomatic and Consular Staff Shall carry out certain migration functions For example: Receiving, processing and issuing stamped visas for tourists, in-transit passengers, students, investors and multiple entries

10. MIGRATION CATEGORIES NON RESIDENTS AND RESIDENTS Non Residents are those not wishing to take up residency in the country Temporary Residents are persons carrying out scientific activities; providing services to public or private companies; technicians or specialists; maritime, tourism or banking executives; staff of companies established in Special or Free Trade Zones, among others

11. MIGRATION CATEGORIES Permanent Resident, for people meeting requirements as investors, economically solvent immigrants, annuitants or retirees, married to Panamanian, etc. Refugee, Stateless person or Assylee, according to the international instruments ratified by the Republic of Panama. In some cases, changes in immigration categories are allowed.

12. CAUSES FOR LOSS OR CANCELLATION OF RESIDENCE Participating in politics Being abroad for longer periods than those of residency Making false statements Being judged for committing a crime

13. NEW PROCEDURES Terms are provided to resolve requests Mandatory registration in Single Registry of Foreigners (Updated record of all foreigners entering or exiting the country, the information is confidential and the foreigner is required to communicate any change of address) Marriage to a national in itself does not grant the right to residency

14. Other Procedures Determines the assumptions for deporting and/or expelling foreigners, as well as the period for the sanction of impeding entry Public officials are prohibited from requesting documents or requirements not contemplated in the law or its regulations Migration regulations, procedures and requirements to request a migration category shall be governed by Executive Decrees

15. INNOVATIONS The Migration Consultative Council, as a joint and inter- institutional consultation organization, shall serve as the forum for implementation of migratory policies. The Single Registry of Foreigners The Special Return Fund, consisting of the deposit for repatriation and the guarantee Panamanian diplomatic and consular staff will be able to process and issue stamped visas for some categories. Invisible Migration, as a technological tool Regulation of cross-border migratory movement of indigenous populations Responsibilities of international transportation companies

16. Prevention and Security Measures Stronger Migratory Controls. Obligation of contracting companies to inform the authorities about changes in the situation of foreigners. Prosecution of the crimes of trafficking in human beings, terrorism, drug trafficking, contraband, etc. Protection for witnesses and/or victims of trafficking in persons. Prevention shelters shall be used for short stays, with full respect of human rights and with the assistance of representatives from their government. Stay conditioned for foreigners by order of judicial or other competent authorities.

17. Thank you