The Association of Residents and Naturalized Citizens of the Republic of Panama (ARENA) has raised the alarm by denouncing the paralysis of the digital platform of the National Immigration Service. This situation is affecting hundreds of foreigners and could open the door to irregular practices in the handling of procedures.
According to the organization, the appointment system for managing the Humanitarian Security Protection Permit has been disabled for over ten days, preventing applicants from advancing in their regularization process. This permit, established by Executive Decree No. 5 of March 5, 2025, allows foreign citizens to obtain legal residency in the country for a two-year period.
However, the lack of access to the platform has created a bottleneck that leaves those who depend on this mechanism in uncertainty. ARENA warned that the interruption of the system is already causing the expiration of essential documents, such as police records, which could translate into legal and economic damages for applicants. The situation is particularly critical for citizens of countries like Nicaragua, who must manage these documents directly in their country of origin, which implies higher costs and logistical complications.
In its statement, the organization went beyond the technical complaint and hinted at possible irregularities. They note that the closure of the platform reminds them of practices from past administrations, where "deals" are said to have been made between facilitators, lawyers, and officials to speed up procedures outside official channels. Although no direct evidence has been presented, the allegation introduces a sensitive element into the crisis: the possibility that the system's failure is not just a technical glitch.
In this scenario, ARENA made a direct call to the director of the National Immigration Service, Roger Mojica Rivera, to provide a clear explanation of what happened and order the immediate reactivation of the platform. They also urged the authorities to take measures to prevent third parties from taking advantage of the vulnerability in which many foreigners affected by this situation find themselves.
