So far this year, a total of 153,226 Venezuelan migrants have crossed the deadly jungle of Darien province bound for the United States, representing 66% of those who have entered Panamanian soil through this sector.
Colombia, with 14,659 irregular migrants, is second in terms of the flow, followed by Ecuador, with 14,569, for 6%. Meanwhile, 12,067 citizens of Chinese origin have crossed the border from Colombia, according to the report from the Panamanian authorities.
During 2024, 11,224 Haitian citizens and 25,330 of other nationalities have also passed through Panama.
According to records from the National Migration Service (SNM), in January a total of 36,001 migrants arrived in the country through the Darien Gap, in February 37,176, in March 36,841, in April 29,259, in May 30,747, in June 31,049, in July 20,519 and so far in August the entry of 9,497 has been recorded.
This year, a total of 133 unaccompanied minors have also arrived in Panama and a total of 42 people have lost their lives in the dangerous crossing of Darien so far this year.
On the other hand, the Panamanian government has carried out three deportation flights for migrants who have entered the country illegally through the Darien Gap jungle. The first flight was on August 7, the second on August 20, and the third on Saturday, August 24.
The second flight was paid for by the United States, while the costs of deporting these citizens, mostly Colombians, were covered by Panama. The next flight with deportees will take place on August 29 to Ecuador, the following day another will take place to Colombia and on September 3 one to India, according to authorities from the National Immigration Service.
