Panama Hosts Nearly 300 Deportees Awaiting Repatriation
At a hotel in Panama City, close to 300 individuals from various nations are being held as they await repatriation under a U.S. directive. This initiative forms part of a broader immigration policy that has seen deportees temporarily stationed in Panama while international bodies coordinate their return.
According to authorities, over 40% of these migrants are unwilling to voluntarily return to their home countries. Visible signs of distress and calls for help have been displayed by the migrants in their hotel windows, with messages such as “Help” and “We are not safe in our country.”
These individuals originate from 10 predominantly Asian countries, including Iran, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. Due to challenges in deporting directly to these regions, Panama serves as a transit point. A similar flight carrying deportees to Costa Rica was also scheduled.
Panama’s Security Minister Frank Abrego confirmed that the deportees are receiving necessary medical care and food. This arrangement is part of an agreement between Panama and the U.S., with the latter covering all associated costs. The agreement was made public following the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this month.
The announcement of the first deportation flights was made by Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. This decision comes amid political tension related to U.S. interests in the Panama Canal.
Despite images showing migrants confined to hotel rooms under police guard, Minister Abrego denies that they are detained. Instead, he describes the situation as a temporary measure until further arrangements are made.
Out of the 299 deportees, 171 have agreed to return to their home countries, supported by the International Organization for Migration and the U.N. Refugee Agency. Efforts are ongoing to find resettlement options for the remaining 128 migrants, with one Irish citizen having already returned home.
For those who refuse to return, a temporary facility in the remote Darien province awaits. This area is familiar to many migrants as a path on their northward journey. The Panamanian Ombudsman’s Office plans to release additional details regarding the situation of these deportees.
