Apply for refugee status in Panama

An asylum seeker is a person who has left their country and requested international protection in a country other than their country of nationality or habitual residence, but has not yet received an official decision on their application. This person seeks to be recognized as a refugee because they fear persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

A refugee is a person who is outside their country and has a well-founded fear of returning due to persecution on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Since they cannot rely on the protection of their country, the refugee seeks protection from the country where they are located — in this case, Panama.

The definition of a refugee under Panamanian legislation is found in Article 5 of Executive Decree No. 5 of 2018. Persecution on the grounds of gender, including gender-based violence, domestic and family violence, female genital mutilation, punishment for not obeying moral values and customs, as well as discrimination against LGBTIQ+ persons, are also forms of persecution that may provide grounds for the recognition of refugee status in Panama.

In Panama, ONPAR (National Office for Refugee Assistance) is the entity within the Ministry of Government responsible for receiving and processing applications and deciding whether or not to admit refugee status claims for review. It also coordinates documentation and case follow-up. CONARE (National Commission for the Protection of Refugees) is the body that evaluates the cases admitted by ONPAR and makes the final decision on whether to recognize a person as a refugee in Panama.

Below, the step-by-step procedure will be described.

You must submit your application within the first six (6) months of your arrival in Panama.

Depending on where you are, here’s what you should do:

• At the border, a migration station, or a shelter: Inform the first authority that receives you (SENAFRONT, National Migration Service — SNM, National Police, National Aeronaval Service — SENAN, Ombudsperson’s Office, etc.) that you want to apply for refugee status. That authority has 24 hours to notify ONPAR. An ONPAR official will go to your location so you can submit your application.
• At Panama Airport: Inform the National Migration Service (SNM) officer that you want to apply for refugee status. That authority has 24 hours to notify ONPAR. An ONPAR official will go to your location so you can submit your application.
• If you are already inside the country (not at a border or the airport): Send an email to [email protected]

Requesting an appointment to submit your application, or you can go to ONPAR’s office to file your application in person, located at Condado del Rey, Condado Business Center Building, Tower 100, 2nd floor.

Public institutions in Panama, as well as UNHCR and its partners, must uphold the principle of confidentiality regarding any information you share with them about your case, or that ONPAR shares with them.

Once you submit your application, ONPAR will give you a valid identification document as an asylum seeker, which includes:

• Your photograph
• Your full name
• Nationality
• Date of issuance and expiration

The card issued by ONPAR is your official identification as an asylum seeker in Panama. Carry it with you at all times. If an officer asks about your migration status, show your asylum seeker card: the card has a QR code that officials can scan to verify its validity.

ONPAR will assign you a date and time for your interview.

• You must show up on time that day.
• The interview is in person.
• ONPAR will verify the information you completed in the form.
• It is very important to answer honestly.
• If you have documents from your country that support your case, bring them.
• If you don’t have them, don’t worry — you can still continue with your application.

You can check the status of your application by scanning the QR code on your card or by calling ONPAR directly. If you change your phone number or address, you must inform ONPAR. This is important in case they need to contact you for more information or clarification.

REMEMBER: Once you have been issued your asylum seeker card, you must not leave Panama. If you do, it will be understood that you have abandoned the process of applying for refugee status, and your case file will be closed.

If ONPAR admits your application

• You will be given a note and the Resolution of Admission for Processing.
• With these documents, you must go to the National Migration Service (SNM).
• The SNM will issue you a card identifying you as an admitted asylum seeker.
• This card must be renewed every 6 months.
• All members of your family, regardless of age, will receive their own document.
• As an admitted applicant, you may apply for a work permit valid for 1 year. This right is regulated by Executive Decree No. 6 of April 13, 2023. To carry out this procedure, it is recommended to contact the Norwegian Refugee Council, who can help you complete the process correctly.

Your case will then be presented to CONARE (National Commission for Refugees), which will decide whether or not to recognize refugee status with a final decision called a resolution.

If your application is not admitted

• ONPAR may decide not to admit your case for processing. This means your application will not be evaluated by CONARE.
• If you disagree, you may file a motion for reconsideration before ONPAR. This appeal is a second opportunity for your case to be reviewed.
• The Norwegian Refugee Council can provide you with free legal guidance and help you draft the reconsideration request. It is important to contact them as soon as possible, since preparing this document takes several days.

REMEMBER: You only have 5 working days (Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays) following notification to submit the motion for reconsideration.

Positive
If your application is approved by CONARE, you have been granted refugee status. The process does not end here:

• You must go to ONPAR for official notification. ONPAR will give you a note to take to the National Migration Service (SNM).
• The SNM will issue you a temporary residence card as a refugee, valid for 1 year and renewable for the same period.
• Your family members — such as parents, spouse, and minor children, as well as children up to twenty-five (25) years of age who can prove they are economically dependent and still studying — included in the application will also be recognized as refugees and will receive documentation.
• You may apply for a work permit valid for 1 year, renewable. This procedure is carried out at the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (MITRADEL). The Norwegian Refugee Council can assist you in completing this procedure correctly.

Negative

If your application is rejected and you disagree, you may request a review of the case by CONARE through a motion for reconsideration. If this request also receives a negative response, you may file an appeal before the Minister of Government.

REMEMBER: You only have 5 working days (Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays) from the date of notification to file the motion for reconsideration.