What Happened
The Ministry of Labor and Labor Development met with workers on the Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal project after an inspection found foreign workers in irregular migration status and possible labor violations affecting Panamanian employees.
Labor Minister Jackeline Muñoz said 43 foreign workers were identified during the review, and 37 were found to have irregular migration status. She described the situation as a serious breach on a major national infrastructure project and stressed that companies operating in Panama must comply with local labor law.
The inspection took place after a complaint was filed with the ministry’s inspection directorate and included support from agents of the National Migration Service.
Concerns Over Workplace Conditions
Authorities also identified differences in the conditions provided to workers. Muñoz later met with the contractor and workers to seek improvements inside the project.
A labor-related complaint raised by workers said Asian employees had access to a dining area with air conditioning and sofas, while Panamanian workers did not even have chairs to eat. Workers also asked the ministry to increase 24-hour oversight to monitor the number of foreign workers entering each shift and to verify compliance with labor and migration rules.
Muñoz said Panamanian law leaves no room for exceptions and repeated that the government’s priority is to protect labor rights and employment opportunities for Panamanians.
Why the Project Matters
The Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal is one of the country’s most important infrastructure works. It is designed to improve connectivity between the capital and the interior, making it a strategically significant project for national development.
That importance, however, does not override labor obligations. The ministry has previously warned the contractor over similar findings, including foreign labor levels above what the law allows, especially among workers of Asian origin.
Legal Limits on Foreign Labor
Panama’s Labor Code sets limits on foreign hiring. The law allows companies to employ up to 10% foreign ordinary workers, such as technicians or non-specialized labor, and up to 15% specialists.
Muñoz said the company has requested special permits to exceed the 10% cap, but those requests are now being handled with stricter oversight. She also said Panama has enough skilled labor to participate in projects like the Fourth Bridge and emphasized the need to expand opportunities for local workers.