Panama (National Times): Panama is currently housing nearly 300 deported migrants, including 30 Indian nationals, in a guarded hotel in Panama City, following an agreement with the United States. The detainees, originating from India, Iran, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and other nations, were deported from the US but face diplomatic and logistical barriers preventing their direct return.
Hotel Detention and Security Measures
The migrants, including women and children, are confined to their rooms at the Decapolis Hotel Panama, where authorities have placed guards around the premises. While they are receiving food and medical assistance, they cannot leave the hotel until repatriation or relocation arrangements are finalized.
India’s Stand on Illegal Migration
Responding to the detentions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s strong opposition to illegal migration, citing its links to organized crime. He also noted that Indian authorities must verify the nationality of detainees before approving their return.
Panama’s Strategy for Migrants
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has proposed relocating deportees to a migrant camp in Darién Gap, a remote jungle region originally built for migrants heading north to the US.
Security Minister Frank Abrego clarified that these migrants are not considered detainees but are being temporarily accommodated while final repatriation decisions are made. So far, 171 deportees have agreed to voluntarily return with help from the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Refugee Agency, while 128 remain uncertain about their next destination.
US-Panama Agreement and Future Plans
Under a recent migration pact, Panama is acting as a transit country for US deportees, with all costs covered by the US government. Similar deportation processes are expected to take place in Costa Rica soon.
The Panamanian Ombudsman’s Office is expected to release further updates, particularly on legal complications affecting the deportees.
