Work permit applicants within the Foreign Professionals and Specific Countries categories must now include their labor contract and the company's payroll document to support their work permit applications.

Background

This requirement was implemented for the Ministry of Labor to verify that the employer is meeting the restrictions for foreign national hiring and the quota for local workers. The quota is set at 90% Panamanians for non-technical personnel, and includes those with more than 10 years of residence in Panama or those married to a Panamanian national; or 85% Panamanians where the foreign nationals are technical, managerial or specialized personnel.

Previously, these verification documents were not required and the interpretation of the Ministry of Labor was that foreign nationals holding work permits under these categories did not affect the quota.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Since an official governmental decree on this subject has not yet been published, affected applicants should contact their immigration professional to seek guidance on the new documentary requirements.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to panamacityinfo@fragomen-mfn.com.

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