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Reopening of The National Migration Service

That by Resolution 5893 of March 16, 2020, the National Migration Service, for health reasons, suspended all procedures, processes and immigration services in the territory of the Republic of Panama.

By means of Resolution 8189 of 29 May 2020, the National Migration Service approved:

  1. Extend until June 7, 2020, the validity of residence permits, processing card, provisional permit card, visa for non-residents, Judicial Stay Card, immigration regularization card and tourist stays to all foreigners, permits, visas and stays expired from March 13, 2020 until June 7, 2020, therefore, no fines will be applied corresponding to expirations. As of June 8, 2020, this suspension is lifted.
  2. The National Migration Service will be re-established as of June 8, 2020, in the following manner and in compliance with the health and prevention measures COVID-19, recommended by the Biosecurity Committee of the National Immigration Service:
    • From June 8, 2020 to June 12, 2020, only licensed attorneys will be allowed to be present from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
    • Beginning June 15, 2020 all users will be served, at 25% capacity, so as users leave, others will be allowed to enter.
    • For the specific procedures of migratory regularization, it will begin with notifications to the files already processed. This has been limited to 75 notifications per day and the persons who must attend these notifications will be notified via the media. The telephone line, 311, will be available for queries.
    • For the renewal of immigration regularization procedures, you must call line 311 to coordinate an appointment and subsequent presentation.
    • All the regular procedures that require presentation or notification, the photograph for the process cards or residence or visa, will be done through appointments.
  3. An extension of up to 3 months was granted to persons whose temporary resident permit, tourist visa or immigration regularization permit, has expired during the period between March 13, 2020 to June 7, 2020, to submit their renewals without fines or surcharges.
  4. Previously issued documentation that has expired during the period from 13 March to 7 June 2020 will be recognised as valid, for a period of up to 3 months. Exceptions are bank reference letters and health certificates, which must be reissued.

Author(s)

Carlos Molino

Partner

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