Monday, October 27, 2008

Re : new laws - question on migration



1. In theory one could leave just before the end of the 90 days and reenter. However, upon reentry an immigration official can take a hard look at the cluttered rubber stamps and bar entry for abuse of the 90-day term (I have never heard of it happening in Panama but it does happen in the US).

2. From the short stay, I have a feeling you did not wait long enough to have your picture taken for your 3-month card and you were supposed to get a Multiple Entry Permit under the old law. Depending on when you return, you may have to pay a fine.



De: Shari1551
Objet: new laws - question on migration
Date: Mercredi 3 Septembre 2008, 9h43

Hello,

I was just at your website and read the new laws. Perhaps you can assist me with a couple of questions.

1. If a person goes to Panama on a 90 day visa, I am assuming they have to leave after 90 days. Can they still leave for 24 hours and come back in. If not, what happens.

2. My pensionado was applied for on July 29th. I entered Panama on the 26th of June and left on July 9th. I just received an email from my lawyer stating that new laws in Panama say it is necessary to pick up a special card at migration office to obtain a "migration status" when you are in Panama. This card have the duration of three months. For that reason you should return to Panama in the next two months.

He speaks broken English and I want to be sure to understand what he is saying. Can you translate this for me so I can understand. I am living in the United States and will move to Panama when my home sells.

Thank you so much.

Shari



Monday, October 20, 2008

Yellow Fever vaccination recommendations

After much contradiction from a Ministry of Health and the chaotic implementation of a vaccination program, the yellow fever vaccination is no longer required for all travelers entering or leaving Panama. Under Communique 3 and Resolution 840 of 2008, effective November 1, 2008, the vaccination is RECOMMENDED for travelers:
- departing Panama to Bolivia, Brasil, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela in South América, and Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Camerun, Congo D.R., Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Sudan in Africa,
- travelling to Panama province East, San Blas and Darien province.

The good intentions of the vaccination were overshadowed by thousands of complaints by taxpayers from long lines at MINSA vaccination centers and an irrational limit of 300 vaccinations per day.

While Panama may not make the vaccination compulsory, other countries may demand that travellers coming from Panama have the yellow WHO International Vaccination Certificate.




WHO List of Yellow Fever countries
Rescinded MINSA order to vaccinate
.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

移民新法例為民眾解決問題還是增加障礙?

移民新法例為民眾解決問題還是增加障礙?
2007的第五條新法令包含了外國僑民移民和入籍的新法
規。 關於簽證方面,主要分成四類:
非居民 (旅客,過境客)。 »
臨時居民 (技術人員,傳道人,外交人仕)。 »
永久居民 (投資者, 配偶)。 »
受巴拿馬政府庇護之外國人仕(難民, 被孤立者)。 »
通常,所有的外國人都以非居留簽證入境巴拿馬, 然後再申
請臨時或永久居留.
有了新法令,國家移民服務局應該在60個工作日的時間內
解決所有臨時或永久居留的允許證申請。發現資料不完全或
有缺陷的申請時,從發通知那天算起,給予15天工作日的期限
讓申請者來改正。
入籍
國家憲法只要求入籍申請者於巴拿馬居住有超過五年以上
時間,能說西班牙文以及認識巴拿馬歷史。然而,法律卻新增
了以下的要求:
請授權律師代為申請,申請書上還必須表明願意不可撤銷
的放棄原籍。根據
2001年擬定的律師收費表,此項服務需付$2000美元。 »
證人在巡迴審判法庭的法官面前做司法程序以外的五 »
項聲明,證人可以聲明與申請人非親屬關係,證明申請
人在巴拿馬居住超過五年時間 並且行為良好(如申請人
是與巴拿馬籍人仕結婚,甚至有了兒女,那麼要求的居
住年數則為三年)。
移民現狀證明書。 »
由司法技術調查警局 (P.T.J.)核發之無犯罪紀錄證書。 »
一般體檢以證明沒有精神病或傳染病。 »
生活擔保書:出示銀行信,工作信,需附上社保局 (C.S.S.) »
的繳稅收據或支票存根,或者入息稅證明。
出生證明,或者提供有關進入巴拿馬境內紀錄的護照。 »
兩張證件照,拍照時需穿著整齊。 »
一旦經行政院批核申請入籍信函,需付$600劃線印花稅 »
票。
在申請條件基於與巴拿馬籍人士結婚三年的時間的情況 »
下,需備結婚證書或於巴拿馬出生的兒女之出生證書。
新法律廢除了五個證人的聲明,愛滋病病毒(HIV) 和梅毒檢
驗。 然而卻增加了更多的條件:
沒有犯罪前科, 或在最後五年曾居住過的國家或本國有 »
被逮捕紀錄之證明。
由移民局頒發的經公正鑑定過之永久居民身分證複印 »
件。
與申請人單獨面談。 »
國家清稅證。
有了以上的必要條件後, 司政局將會下令呈交第二份
移民現狀證明和西班牙語及巴拿馬歷史測驗。 如入籍申
請遭拒批, 將不可上訴或獲復批。
入籍程序被新聞日報 (Diario La Prensa) 的一位提供消
息人仕形容為“極度官僚化”, 因為入籍獲得批核的時間
應該是幾個月,然而有一些個案卻用了五年時間來批核”。
消息人仕還表示, 在目前的行政管理期間, 申請入巴拿
馬籍之人數明顯下降。 於2004年批核了527個案; 2005年.
413個; 2006年300個; 而於2007年只有97個。
消息人仕建議國家移民服務局務必加快辦理入籍文件
的速度, 提高辦事效率, 這樣才會給願意獲得巴拿馬國
籍的人仕有個公平的交代。
作者是 Alvaro Agular Alfu, 是Lombardi
Aguilar & Garcia 法律事務所合夥人兼律
師 www.laglex.com

Sunday, October 12, 2008

A bequest for Panama's poor children - blocked by family



Children in the San Blas Islands, Panama, doing traditional dancing. While some of Panama bustles with development, more than half of children under 5 live in poverty(Tara Todras-Whitehill for The New York Times)



A bequest for Panama's poor children - blocked by family

Legal Battles Tie Up Money Left for Poor Children in Panama




June 25, 2008

Legal Battles Tie Up Money Left for Poor Children in Panama

A gift of tens of millions of dollars to a foundation to help needy children in Panama has been tied up in disputes involving over 20 law firms, the Panamanian courts, and the donor’s surviving family, reports The New York Times. The donation — from the will of Wilson C. Lucom, who died two years ago at the age of 88 — is the bulk of his estate.

“This is all about greed,” said Hector Avila, an advocate for needy children in Panama, who survived a shooting within a week of a protest he led in May to push the court to honor Mr. Lucom’s gift.

Panamanian courts have so far expressed support for the will, but critics remain wary of potential corruption. “If you ask me if I expect to win in light of all the corruption I’ve seen, I don’t expect to win it,” said Richard S. Lehman, a longtime lawyer to Mr. Lucom who is now caught in the middle of the battle and who has been suspended by a Panamanian judge as the executor of the will.


Mr. Lucom’s widow, Hilda Lucom, 84, who received a $20,000 monthly pension and the use of his artwork and furniture, is fighting for his will to be dismissed. “He never talked to me about poor children,” said Ms. Lucom, who added in a court deposition, “He didn’t like children.”

(Free registration is required to view this article.*)


Comments

  1. This case is real and happening right now — it’s so hard to believe that the last Will of anyone can be overlooked and turn into such a nightmare. We can only pray that good will prevail over evil. I say hang in there Mr. Lehman! Remember . . .doing the right thing may not always be the most popular — but I pray for your success in this case. Read the 500 page legal exhibit presented to the jury in this case. The panama corruption is obvious. http://www.lucomchildren.com

    All Americans should be watching this case.

    — Mary Daultry Jun 26, 08:54 AM #

* Premium access must be purchased from philanthropy.com.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Yellow Fever vaccination requirements (more)

Panama local airline COPA and the US consulate confirm the requirement for travellers entering Panama from one of the countries in the tropical zone considered by the World Health Organization as yellow fever countries.

The CDC and the Canada Public Health Agency further explain the use of the International Certificate of Vaccination (Certificados Internacionales de Vacunacion / Certificats Internationaux de Vaccination) card for yellow fever and cholera. These vaccines are usually available only from state travel clinics and not from private clinics.




About Us

News
Vaccination against yellow fever
Tuesday, September 30, 2008

On September 29, 2008, the Panamanian Foreign Minister announced a one-month moratorium on the effective date for the requirement that all persons entering Panama provide proof of vaccination against yellow fever. This requirement will now take effect as of November 1, 2008.

This requirement applies to all persons who wish to enter Panama from a country considered at-risk for transmitting yellow fever by the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as to Panamanian citizens or residents who travel to at-risk countries.

The Panamanian government has stated that it will require that persons be vaccinated against yellow fever at least 10 days prior to entering Panama, and 10 days before departing to at-risk countries.

Even if passengers only leave the airport or port for a few hours, they will be considered to have entered Panama.

Below is a list of the countries the IATA considers at-risk for transmission of yellow fever.

Thank you for you attention.

http://www.copaair.com/nuestraEmpresa/noticias/noticia.aspx?Id=145&lang=en



On Fri, 10/3/08, Panama, ACS wrote:
From: Panama, ACS
Subject: PANAMA-TRAVELERS MUST BE VACCINATED AGAINST YELLOW FEVER
Date: Friday, October 3, 2008, 2:49 PM
UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION - TRAVELERS MUST BE VACCINATED AGAINST YELLOW FEVER
September 30, 2008 - The Ministry of Health reminds Panamanian and foreign citizens that there are three places equipped and authorized for vaccination against yellow fever in the Republic of Panama, where an international vaccination card will also be provided. The centers are: the international vaccination office of Metropolitan Health Region, located at Los Ríos (reverted area), main street, on the side of the Institutional Protection System, building 237; office of International Maritime Health in the port of Cristóbal, Colón province; and the office for Regional Epidemiology Coordination in the district of David, Chiriquí province. (more)

Attention hours for those who need the vaccine are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the cost is five dollars. Passengers in transit and coming from countries that are not included in the list of 45 countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, according the World Health Organization's (WHO) classification, are not required to have the international vaccination card against this disease.

For this vaccine to be effective it must be applied 10 days before the stipulated travel date and the dose duration (efficient protective titers) is 10 years.

The health measure announced by the Ministry of Health, of requesting as of next November 1, that all national or foreign travelers that enter Panama from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission be vaccinated, seeks to prevent the resurgence of the disease in the country.

It is necessary to remember that the last cases of sylvan yellow fever in Panama were registered in 1974 and the Ministry of Health tries to comply with what is established in the 2005 International Health Regulation (RSI), in preventing the spreading of epidemics and improving cooperation among countries with that same objective. Its adaptation is oriented towards current world challenges in view of the reappearance of infectious diseases, of the growing risk of international spreading and of the appearance of new health alerts with worldwide repercussions.

According to the WHO, 111 countries (including Panama) require that persons who enter their territory from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission be vaccinated.

Panama has an established epidemiological monitoring of yellow fever, proper attention of suspect cases, continuous education to the health team on disease prevention and control, information, education and communication with the community of prevention and control measures of yellow fever, a viral, transmissible, preventable and acute infectious disease, of rapid evolution and variable seriousness that is transmitted through a mosquito bite. Next is a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, according to the World Health Organization (WHO):

  • American Continent
    • Argentina
    • Bolivia
    • Brazil
    • Colombia
    • Ecuador
    • French Guiana
    • Guyana
    • Panama
    • Paraguay
    • Peru
    • Trinidad and Tobago
    • Suriname
    • Venezuela
  • African Continent
    • Angola
    • Liberia
    • Benin
    • Mali
    • Burkina Faso
    • Mauritania
    • Burundi
    • Niger
    • Cameroon
    • Nigeria
    • Congo
    • Rwanda
    • Republic of Congo
    • Sao Tome and Principe
    • Senegal
    • Central African Republic
    • Sierra Leone
    • Somalia
    • Sudan
    • Côte D'Ivoire
    • Togo
    • Equatorial Guinea
    • Uganda
    • United Republic of Tanzania
    • Ethiopia
    • Gabon
    • Gambia
    • Ghana
    • Guinea
    • Guinea Bissau

The list provided by the WHO of countries that request vaccination against yellow fever from international travelers that come from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

(From the Panamanian Ministry of Health)





CDC Health Information for International Travel 2008

Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by Country

Country Yellow Fever Malaria
Requirements1 CDC recommendations2,4 Area of risk Chloroquine resistance Recommended prophylaxis
Panama If traveling from an endemic zone For all travelers >9 months of age traveling to the provinces of Darien, Kunayala (San Blas) and Panama (see Map 4-16), excluding the Canal Zone, Panama City and the San Blas Islands. Risk exists in rural areas of Bocas Del Toro, Darién, San Blas provinces and San Blas Islands. No risk in Panama City or in the former Canal Zone. Confirmed in Darién and San Blas provinces, including San Blas islands. Chloroquine in Bocas Del Toro. Atovaquone/ proguanil; doxycycline; or mefloquine in Darién and San Blas.

1Yellow fever vaccine entry requirements are necessary for travelers to comply with in order to enter the country. In general, these are in place to prevent importation and transmission of yellow fever virus. Countries requiring yellow fever vaccination for entry adhere to the regulations put forth by WHO as stated in the International Health Regulations. Some countries require vaccination for travelers coming from an endemic zone. “Traveling from an endemic zone” is defi ned as transit through an endemic zone in the previous 6 days. Country requirements are subject to change at any time; therefore, CDC encourages travelers to check with the appropriate embassy or consulate prior to departure.

2The information in the section on yellow fever vaccine recommendations is advice given by CDC to prevent yellow fever infections among travelers.

3Please note, the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends avoiding vaccination of infants.

4Recommendations are subject to change at any time if disease conditions change; therefore, CDC encourages travelers to check for relevant travel notices on the website www.cdc.gov/travel prior to departure.

Note: Country requirements are subject to change at any time; therefore, CDC encourages travelers to check with the appropriate embassy or consulate prior to departure.

See full text in http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh5-MalariaYellowFeverTable.aspx





What are the Australian quarantine requirements for yellow fever vaccination?

Yellow fever is a quarantinable disease in Australia. People who are one year of age or older must hold an international vaccination certificate if, within six days before arriving in Australia, they have stayed overnight or longer in a declared yellow fever infected country in Africa or South America (see Table 2). Travellers should seek medical advice on vaccination for their individual medical circumstances, particularly about the suitability of yellow fever vaccine for infants, pregnant women and those who are immuno-compromised.

See full text in http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/Publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-communic-factsheets-yellow.htm



Yellow fever

Yellow fever is the only vaccine required as a condition of entry under the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations. A valid International Certificate of Vaccination, issued within the previous 10 years, is mandatory for entry into certain countries in Africa and South America. Other countries have requirements for proof of immunization from travellers who have passed through yellow fever endemic zones. Please refer to the maps in the Yellow Fever Vaccine chapter for more information.

The period of validity of the International Vaccination Certificate for yellow fever is 10 years, beginning 10 days after primary vaccination and immediately after re-vaccination. Only Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre clinics designated by PHAC can provide the International Certificate of Vaccination in Canada. A list of these centres can be obtained from PHAC's Travel Medicine Program Web site (http://www.travelhealth.gc.ca).

The decision to immunize against yellow fever will depend on the itinerary of the individual traveller and the specific requirements of the country to be visited (including stopovers). As well as being necessary for entry into certain countries, immunization against yellow fever is recommended for all travellers who are visiting or living in countries in Africa and South America where yellow fever infection is officially reported. It is also recommended for travel outside of urban areas in countries that do not officially report yellow fever but lie in the yellow fever endemic zones (see maps).

See full text in http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/p03-10-eng.php



Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Yellow Fever vaccination requirements (cont.)


The Ministry of Health confirms the vaccination requirement effective NOVEMBER 1 (sic) in their website and also mentions 3 vaccination posts:
- Región Metropolitana de Salud, in Corozal / Los Ríos, building 237;
- Sanidad Marítima Internacional office at Cristóbal port, Colón; and
- Coordinación Regional de Epidemiología office in David, Chiriquí.

http://www.minsa.gob.pa/minsa2008/final_newpage/noticias.php?id=726


VIAJEROS DEBEN VACUNARSE CONTRA FIEBRE AMARILLA - 30/09/2008

VIAJEROS DEBEN VACUNARSE CONTRA FIEBRE AMARILLA


30/09/2008

El Ministerio de Salud recuerda a los ciudadanos panameños y extranjeros que son tres los puestos habilitados y autorizados para la aplicación de la vacuna contra la fiebre amarilla en la república de Panamá donde se entrega una tarjeta de vacunación internacional.Los centros habilitados son la oficina de vacunación internacional de la Región Metropolitana de Salud, ubicada en Los Ríos (área revertida), calle principal a un costado del Sistema de Protección Institucional, edificio 237; la oficina de Sanidad Marítima Internacional en el puerto de Cristóbal, provincia de Colón; y la oficina de la Coordinación Regional de Epidemiología en el distrito de David, provincia de Chiriquí.El horario de atención para quienes requieran aplicar la vacuna es de lunes a viernes de 7:30 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. y su costo es de cinco balboas. Aquellos pasajeros en tránsito y procedentes de países no incluidos en la lista de 45 países con riesgo de fiebre amarilla, de acuerdo a la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), no se les exige la tarjeta de vacunación internacional contra esta enfermedad.Para que la vacuna sea efectiva, debe ser aplicada 10 días antes de la fecha estipulada de viaje y la duración de la dosis (títulos protectores eficaces) es de 10 años.La medida sanitaria anunciada por el Ministerio de Salud, de solicitar, a partir del 1 de noviembre próximo, a todo viajero nacional o extranjero que ingrese a Panamá procedente de países en riesgo de transmisión de la fiebre amarilla, persigue prevenir el resurgimiento de la enfermedad en el país.En necesario recordar que los últimos casos de fiebre amarilla selvática en Panamá se registraron en 1974 y el Ministerio de Salud intenta cumplir lo establecido en el Reglamento Sanitario Internacional 2005 (RSI), de evitar la propagación de epidemias y mejorar la cooperación entre los países con ese mismo objetivo.Su adaptación va dirigida a los retos del mundo actual a la vista de la reaparición de enfermedades infecciosas, del creciente riesgo de su propagación internacional y de la aparición de nuevas alertas sanitarias con repercusiones a nivel mundial.De acuerdo con la OMS son 111 países (entre ellos Panamá) los que exigen la vacunación contra la fiebre amarilla a aquellas personas que ingresen a su territorio.Panamá tiene establecida la vigilancia epidemiológica de la fiebre amarilla, atención oportuna de casos sospechosos, educación continua al equipo de salud en prevención y control de la enfermedad, información, educación y comunicación a la comunidad de medidas de prevención y control de la fiebre amarilla, una enfermedad vírica, transmisible, prevenible e infecciosa aguda, de rápida evolución y gravedad variable que se transmite por la picadura de un mosquito.

See the list of countries in http://mypanamalawyer.blogspot.com/2008/09/yellow-fever-vaccination-requirements.html