Related videos:
In an effort to expedite deportations, the United States government has implemented an agreement with Panama and Costa Rica that allows for the temporary transit of deported migrants while their returns to their home countries are organized.
However, the measure has led to a humanitarian crisis and a situation of uncertainty for dozens of migrants who, after being released in Panama, have been given a 30-day deadline to leave the territory.
The affected migrants mainly come from countries such as China, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Nepal.
They were detained by the Panamanian government in a remote camp after being deported from the U.S., in an action that critics have described as an "outsourcing of deportations" by Washington.
Amid strong questioning from human rights organizations, Panama released dozens of these migrants last Saturday and imposed a deadline of one month for them to leave the country.
However, for many of them, returning to their places of origin is not a viable option.
The case of Hayatullah Omagh: trapped in limbo
One of those affected by this policy is Hayatullah Omagh, a 29-year-old Afghan who fled his country in 2022 following the Taliban's takeover.
“We are refugees. We have no money. We cannot afford a hotel in Panama City, we have no family”, said Omagh to the Associated Press.
"I cannot go back to Afghanistan under any circumstances... It is under the control of the Taliban, and they want to kill me. How can I return?"
Omagh and 65 other migrants of various nationalities were transported by bus to Panama City after spending weeks detained in precarious conditions.
Upon arrival, they faced the uncertainty of not knowing what their next destination would be.
Without clear alternatives and with few options for asylum
Panamanian authorities have stated that the deported individuals can apply for a 60-day extension of their stay, but they have not provided a clear solution to their situation.
Some migrants, like Nikita Gaponov, a 27-year-old Russian who fled due to persecution against the LGBTQ+ community, claimed they were not allowed to file for asylum in the U.S. "Once I get off the bus, I will sleep on the floor tonight," Gaponov said.
Despite having been deported, many migrants believe that returning to the U.S. remains their only viable alternative.
Inhumane conditions and allegations of abuse
The detention of these migrants in Panama sparked strong criticism due to the deplorable conditions in which they were held.
According to testimonies, migrants were stripped of their phones and had no access to legal assistance or information about their immigration status.
In the camp, some migrants faced health issues without receiving the necessary care.
After their release, human rights defenders identified three individuals with serious health issues: one who had been vomiting for a week, another who needed insulin to manage their diabetes, and a third person with HIV who had been deprived of their medication.
According to testimonies from some migrants, the situation in the camp was critical.
Omagh reported that a Chinese man went on a hunger strike for a week, while in another incident, a riot broke out when guards refused to return a cellphone to one of the detainees.
“My hope was freedom. Just freedom”, said Omagh.
"They didn't give me the opportunity. I asked many times to speak with an asylum officer, and they said 'No, no, no, no, no'."
Panamanian authorities have denied these accusations and have restricted journalists' access to the camp.
The migration dilemma: Without a clear destination country
Although humanitarian organizations have offered relocation alternatives in third countries, few migrants have been able to access these programs due to difficulties in obtaining visas.
Omagh stated that, at the camp, the authorities informed him that he could be sent to a third country if he obtained a visa.
However, he admitted that it is "incredibly difficult" to obtain a visa with an Afghan passport.
When asked about the possibility of seeking asylum in the country, the response from the Panamanian authorities was clear: “We do not accept asylum.”
Carlos Ruiz-Hernández, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, confirmed that none of the migrants wish to stay in the country.
"None of them want to stay in Panama. They want to go to the United States," he stated.
The American Dream persists
Despite the obstacles, the dream of reaching the United States has not disappeared for many migrants.
A Chinese woman who spoke with AP on the condition of anonymity expressed her determination.
"I still want to go to the United States and fulfill my American dream," he concluded
While Panama continues to move forward with the implementation of this migration agreement with the U.S., the released migrants face an uncertain future.
With limited resources, no asylum options, and the pressure to leave the country within 30 days, many find themselves trapped in a migratory limbo with no clear solution in sight.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crisis of Deported and Abandoned Migrants in Panama
Why does the United States deport migrants to Panama?
The United States has implemented an agreement with Panama and Costa Rica to allow the temporary transit of deported migrants while their returns to their home countries are organized. This measure aims to speed up deportations from the U.S., although it has drawn criticism for creating a migratory limbo for the deportees.
What is the current situation of deported migrants in Panama?
Deported migrants are facing a humanitarian crisis and have 30 days to leave Panama. Many of them come from countries where they cannot return due to conflicts or persecution, such as Afghanistan, Russia, and China, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and with no clear alternatives.
What options do deported migrants in Panama have to regularize their status?
Panamanian authorities have suggested that deportees can apply for a 60-day extension of their stay, but they have not provided clear solutions for their long-term situation. The lack of access to asylum applications and the difficulty in obtaining visas in third countries exacerbate their circumstances.
What criticisms has the U.S. deportation policy towards Panama received?
The U.S. deportation policy towards Panama has been criticized by human rights organizations, which describe it as an "outsourcing of deportations." These criticisms point out that migrants are left in limbo without access to adequate humanitarian conditions and without clear solutions for their future.
Filed under:
