The National Immigration Service of Panama has issued a warning to foreigners in its territory about the risks of deportation.
“The SNM, by law, has the power to deport those who threaten public safety. As a State entity, we recommend that foreigners not participate in acts of vandalism, or any other type of action that harms third parties,” they noted on Instagram.
Likewise, from Facebook they published a message where they maintain that although “peaceful demonstration is part of Panamanian democracy and every citizen has the right to freely dissent,” this cannot “affect the community.”
“The National Immigration Service asks foreigners to refrain from participating in acts of vandalism, affecting public order and security,” they reiterated.
The immigration authority indicated that article 65 of Decree Law 3 of February 22, 2008, grants them the power to “deport and order the prevention of entry into the national territory of foreigners who threaten public safety, as indicated.” numeral 4 of this Law.”
And what happens in Panama? Last week, legislators gave their final approval to the expansion of the concession of the Cobre Panamá mine, operated by the Canadian company First Quantum (FM.TO). This extensive mine represents almost 5% of Panama’s economic activity.
PANAMA MIGRATION WARNS MIGRANTS ABOUT PARTICIPATION IN PROTESTS
Some residents and civic organizations have opposed the contract, largely out of concern about the mine’s environmental impact.
Environmentalists, teachers, indigenous people and construction workers took to the streets to show their anger with the agreement, which will allow the mine to continue operating for at least a couple more decades.
Many users have criticized Migración Panamá’s warning publication, claiming that it is not foreigners who participate in such acts.
“Foreigners know that we cannot participate, but why do they blame foreigners if they are only nationals?” commented one user. “Write well, gentlemen, your publication is very inappropriate. Foreigners are prohibited from demonstrating and they are also held responsible for what has happened in this week of protests,” someone else denounced.
On October 26, the National Immigration Service of Panama reported on the expulsion of 200 Colombians, who have been granted administrative measures. Of these, 165 have been deported and 35 expelled based on security criteria; All of them returned to their country, they said.
