According to the Executive Decree published in the Official Gazette, the sanction will be adapted to the conditions of vulnerability of illegal travelers. It responds to the surge in these flows through the Darién forest on the border with Colombia.

The rule states that the situation constitutes a clear violation of the officially authorized checkpoints and, consequently, the configuration of an administrative migration offense.

Decree 194 further stipulates that any foreigner entering the country violating land, air or sea immigration checkpoints, may not leave the country without first cancelling this fine.

In addition, it specifies that if the undocumented person is unable to pay the fine due to lack of financial resources, he or she will be deported in accordance with the immigration laws.

Persons considered vulnerable during the transit through the jungle will be fined $300 for the first time, $600 for the second time, $900 for the third time and $1,000 for each subsequent time.

jrr/arm/oda/ga