Panama : The concern around it stems from a wave of deportations from the U.S., which has left hundreds of migrants including many Indians, stranded in Panama. As part of its campaign against illegal migration, the U.S. recently has sent 299 migrants from multiple countries including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and China to Panama. Many are currently detained at the Decapolis Hotel in Panama City while others have been transferred to a remote site near the Darien jungle.
The Indian Embassy in Panama has stated that the Indian migrants are “safe and secure,” adding that they have access to “essentials” but heart-wrenching images from the hotel have surfaced showing detainees holding signs saying “Help us” and “Please save us”. Afghan women begged to be saved, fearing for their lives at home.
Panama has responded to the pressure by U.S. with an agreement to serve as a transit hub for migrants deported from the U.S., whose home countries have refused to accept. Costa Rica as well has stepped in, taking in 200 migrants from India, Pakistan and other countries. Those who decline repatriation will be transferred to a more remote facility in Darien, a jungle area noted for its inhospitable conditions, officials said.
This has left human rights groups worried for people fleeing war or persecution. Panama says the migrants are not detained but their movement is restricted. Many are now left with uncertain fates, unsure whether they will be forcibly returned to their homecountries or allowed asylum elsewhere.
