What happens after I apply?

As established by Panamanian regulations, once the application is admitted to the procedure, the National Migration Service will grant the asylum seeker a provisional identification document for six (6) months, renewable. If the admitted asylum seeker is with relatives, each individual will receive a personal document.

The admitted cases will be evaluated by the National Commission for the Protection of Refugees, which will decide whether or not to grant the refugee status.

If the person is recognized as a refugee, the National Migration Service will grant them a valid document for one (1) year and they will have able to process a work permit valid for the same period.

Reconsideration resource

If the refugee status recognition claim is denied or rejected, you can file a writen reconsideration resource at ONPAR, addressed to the National Commission for the Protection of Refugees, within five (5) business days following notification of the Resolution.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) can assist you with the preparation of the reconsideration resource letter so that you can present it to ONPAR. You can contact them by phone (507) 6589-5016 or by email [email protected]

If the decision on the reconsideration resource confirms the negative resolution, you can file an appeal in ONPAR addressed to the Minister of Government within five (5) business days following the notification that resolves the reconsideration resource. ONPAR will send a summary of the case to the Ministry of Government to decide the appeal. The decision on the appeal exhausts the governmental route. If desired, you can appeal to the Third Administrative-Contentious Chamber of the Panama Supreme Court of Justice.