immigration

Reforms focus on reducing dishonesty

The changes to the country's immigration laws that went into effect last month are already having an impact on how business is conducted at Migración offices.

According to Tayra Barsallo, deputy director of the Servicio Nacional de Migración, several staff members have been fired for alleged acts of corruption at the agency, which the changes are designed to eliminate.

“There have been several cases in several provinces, including Panama City,” Barsallo said. “There are people who do not understand that Migración has changed and that it wants to be an entity that provides five star-service.”

One of the changes made at the institution is that paralegals and lawyer assistants must now be registered with the entity.

“We will not receive any documentation from an attorney's assistant who has not previously registered,” Barsallo said. “Lawyers must be aware that have taken this step to prevent people from falling prey to scams and frauds.”

One of the complaints about Migración is that applicants were able to pay bribes in order to get their cases handled more expeditiously. Another complaint was that some lawyer's assistants had greater influence with officials working there.

By requiring these assistants to register with the agency, officials hope to cut down on these complaints.