Panama has agreed to accept immigrants expelled from the United States, marking a significant development in regional migration management. A military aircraft transported 119 individuals from various countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, China, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Pakistan, from California to Panama City. This initiative follows similar arrangements offered by El Salvador and Guatemala, highlighting a collaborative approach to address migration issues.
In 2023, over 500,000 migrants, predominantly from Venezuela, traversed the Darién jungle into Panama. This figure is notably lower than the previous year's count of 300,000. The Darién Gap has become a crucial transit route for immigrants journeying through Central America to the United States. The agreement for Panama to accept deported immigrants was reached following a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Panama's President, José Raúl Mulino, confirmed the arrival of the 119 deported individuals.
“119 people from diverse nationalities of the world” – José Raúl Mulino
The immigrants are currently staying at a local hotel in Panama City, with plans to relocate them to a shelter near the Darién Gap. The International Organization for Migration is overseeing the process, ensuring that their needs are met during this transitional phase. Eventually, these migrants will be flown back to their countries of origin on flights funded by the United States.
The situation arises from the refusal of several Asian countries to accept back undocumented immigrants who had reached the US. As a result, Panama has stepped in as an interim host. President Mulino emphasized Panama's role in supporting migration management.
“This is another contribution Panama is making on the migration issue” – José Raúl Mulino
A second flight carrying deportees from Asian and African countries is scheduled to depart for Panama on Thursday. This ongoing collaboration underscores the complex nature of modern migration dynamics and the necessity for international cooperation.