The government of Panama has tightened visa requirements for Cubans, and those affected are voicing their concerns on social media.
Journalist Mario J. Pentón shared several videos featuring complaints from Cubans facing difficulties obtaining visas to Panama. These individuals explained that they have been waiting for over 60 business days for responses to their visa applications, with no updates in sight.
Desperation is increasing among those seeking to leave the island, travel to the Central American country for shopping, or needing to enter Panama to access a third country in Latin America.
In the shared testimonies, several affected individuals recount that, in order to manage their visas, they were forced to sell their houses and move from various provinces to Havana.
Some have had to rent accommodations in the capital or stay with family members, facing additional expenses that deplete their savings.
In addition to economic problems, Cubans report experiencing significant emotional distress due to the prolonged stress stemming from uncertainty about what will happen with their transit visas to Panama, an issue on which they have placed all their hope and resources.
The Consulate and Embassy of Panama have remained silent in response to the complaints from visa applicants.
A spokesperson for immigration in Panama, consulted by Pentón, stated that the visa application page is closed, but she declined to provide additional information or clear timelines to resolve this situation.
The tightening of immigration requirements towards Panama is not a new phenomenon. In a statement issued on October 29, the Panamanian government announced an extension of the transit visa requirement for Cuban citizens.
This measure, which was initially intended to be temporary, aims to regulate the migratory flow into the country and prevent the use of Panama as a stopover for emigrating to third destinations.
However, these restrictions have been in place since the summer and have significantly complicated travel for thousands of Cubans who rely on this transit point for their mobility.
The Cuban community continues to demand answers, but so far, the lack of clarity from the Panamanian authorities has left many in a state of migratory limbo.
The reports not only reflect the economic and psychological impact on those affected but also the complexities of managing exits from the country under the current migration restrictions.
In May, Panama's president, José Raúl Mulino, promised to close the border crossing in the Darién jungle with Colombia as a measure to address the migration crisis.
This is one of the most dangerous routes to the United States. Some analysts have predicted that if it were successfully closed, it could lead to hundreds of repatriations to the migrants' countries of origin.
Meanwhile, resources are dwindling for Cubans on the island who dream of entering Panama, seeing it as a means of escape or an opportunity to improve their quality of life.
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