Approval of work permit for stateless people
Panama is a signatory to the 1954 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless People and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, having acceded to both on 30 March 2011. Following sustained advocacy by UNHCR with the national authorities, Executive Decree No. 10 of 16 January 2019 was adopted, establishing the procedure for the determination of statelessness and designating the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the competent authority. With the adoption of this legal instrument, Panama took positive steps towards the prevention and eradication of statelessness by putting in place a framework that ensures effective protection, guarantees a legal status in the country, and enables access to basic rights for stateless people.
Panama joined the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS) in 2017, including within its national action plan the commitment to adopt a statelessness determination procedure (fulfilled in 2019) and to disseminate the procedure to key institutions for its proper implementation. In this regard, in 2022, three training sessions were held with the participation of approximately 100 officials from over 20 public institutions. Community engagement has also been promoted in efforts to address statelessness. Awareness-raising activities are carried out with the aim of reducing statelessness.
Location
Panamá (national level).
Duration
2023 – Present
Results
Through Executive Decree No. 4 of 2 March 2023, the issuance of a work permit for persons recognized as stateless was approved. Although the statelessness determination procedure in Panama remains relatively new, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already recognized one stateless person and is currently reviewing approximately 28 cases.
A field mission was carried out to assist approximately 150 individuals previously identified by the Civil Registry as persons at risk of statelessness. Having a legal instrument that enables the issuance of a work permit for stateless people represents a significant step forward in terms of employment and livelihoods for this population, who would otherwise be forced to work informally and face increased risks of abuse and labor exploitation.
The Directorate of International Legal Affairs and Treaties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its capacity as the Competent Authority for the recognition of stateless persons, has recognized 16 individuals and currently has 37 active applications under review.
Linked MIRPS Commitment
To expand integration opportunities for refugees and asylum-seekers into Panama’s economic and social systems by increasing their self-reliance through access to formal employment, vocational training, and income-generating opportunities.
In 2023, a population census provided an approximate estimate of persons at risk of statelessness. Once individuals are recognized, and considering their vulnerability and protection risks, communications are sent to social inclusion authorities to ensure their inclusion and access to available benefits.
Lead Entity and Partners
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Labor and Labor Development.