The irregular Venezuelan migrants who have passed through the dangerous Darién jungle on their way to North America total 196,813 so far this year, according to Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. During the same period, Colombians, Ecuadorians, Chinese, Haitians, and other citizens from different countries have also crossed the natural border between Panama and Colombia on this route.
In October of this year, a total of 21,542 migrants arrived at reception stations in the province of Darién after crossing the jungle. President Mulino mentioned that this figure could be slightly below September, when 25,111 irregular travelers arrived at these stations.
In 2023, 49,256 people crossed the Darién jungle, and last year a record number of 520,085 irregular migrants, mostly Venezuelans, were recorded. So far this year, more than 281,000 irregular travelers have crossed this jungle, according to Migration figures.
Since July, Panama and the United States have implemented a repatriation or deportation program for irregular migrants. At least 23 flights primarily to Colombia, as well as to Ecuador, China, and India, have been made, in which about 800 people have been returned.
To control the situation, Panamanian authorities have announced that anyone who enters the country irregularly will be fined between 1,000 and 5,000 dollars, depending on the severity of the violation. The decree published on October 25 states that those who cannot pay the fine will be deported.
Additionally, the decree establishes that fines must take into account the vulnerable conditions of migrant people and the irregular flow crossing the Colombian-Panamanian border through the Darién jungle. The penalties range from 300 dollars for the first time to 1,000 dollars for each additional occasion, and must be paid before leaving the national territory towards Costa Rica.
