Irregular migration increases in Panama

Panama, Apr 9 (Prensa Latina) The number of people who have crossed Panama's Darien jungle so far on their way to the United States has increased sixfold compared to the same period in 2022, the National Migration Service (SNM) reported.

April 9, 2023
00:45

According to these records, 87,390 travelers arrived at the bordering territory with Colombia from January to March, while 13,791 did so during the same period in 2022.

The SNM stated that 4,905 migrants, mainly Venezuelans, Haitians, and Ecuadorans, arrived through the Darien Gap route from April 1 to 5.

Local authorities, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and even the Ombudsman’s Office have frequently warned of the rise in irregular migration in the country.

Panamanian Ombudsman Eduardo Leblanc urged to establish a plan to deal with this migratory wave.

Meanwhile, Darien Bishop Pedro Hernandez pointed out that the humanitarian drama is complex and the situation exceeds the capacity to care for migrants, including children traveling without a family member, according to UNICEF.

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