The Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel), through its National Inspection Directorate, conducted nighttime operations where it identified 15 foreign nationals working without the required work permit.
The verification actions were carried out at four strategic points in the capital city, where a total of five companies were inspected to ensure compliance with the law and protect national employment.
Results of the labor inspections
During the proceedings, authorities confirmed the presence of 11 men and 4 women of Colombian, Dominican, Cuban, and Peruvian nationality who did not have the legal authorization to perform labor functions in the country.
Due to these findings, Mitradel proceeded to issue five administrative orders.
Sanctions for companies hiring foreign workers without a permit
During nighttime operations, Mitradel and the National Migration Service verified non-compliance with regulations for hiring foreign labor at strategic points.
These measures require employers to immediately correct the detected violations and initiate the corresponding legal processes.
The institution emphasized that violations of current regulations carry severe penalties, which can range from substantial fines to the definitive closure of the commercial establishments involved.
Institutional cooperation and current regulations
The National Migration Service, which issued 15 additional citations for failure to provide the necessary documentation for legal stay in Panamanian territory, participated in this intervention.
Mitradel reminded that, under Article 17 of the Labor Code, the hiring of foreign workers is limited to one foreign worker for every ten Panamanian workers.
