Panama Begins US-Funded Repatriation Flights, Deporting 29 Colombians

Aug 20, 2024, 11:45 AM

Panama has commenced US-funded flights to repatriate migrants as part of a bilateral agreement with the United States. The initiative, which began on Tuesday, aims to reduce irregular migration through the Darién Gap. The first flight deported 29 Colombian nationals. This program is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last month, which includes both deported and voluntarily repatriated migrants. The program seeks to support Panama's efforts in managing migration flows and ensuring humane repatriation of those without legal status to remain.