What Happened
In its Sunday column “Cámara opina,” the Panama Chamber of Commerce said the Ley de pasantías (internship law) represents an important step to confront a long-standing problem: the lack of work experience among young people seeking their first jobs. The comment was published by TVN 2 on March 22, 2026.
Background
The Chamber framed the law as a response to the challenge many graduates and young job-seekers face when employers require prior experience for entry-level roles. While the Chamber’s column did not detail the specific provisions of the Ley de pasantías, its public endorsement highlights private-sector interest in measures that can help bridge the gap between education and employment.
What This Means
Support from a major business group can influence how the new rule is received by employers and policymakers. The Chamber’s backing may encourage companies to take part in internship programs, potentially increasing opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain practical skills and workplace exposure.
At the same time, endorsement by the private sector raises implementation questions that will matter for the law’s effectiveness: how internships will be structured, whether safeguards will protect interns from exploitation, and what incentives or oversight mechanisms will ensure quality training. These are the issues that education institutions, employers and government agencies may need to address as the law moves forward.
Next Steps
With the Chamber voicing support, attention will likely turn to how the Ley de pasantías is implemented in practice. Observers will watch for guidance from government authorities, participation levels from businesses, and how the programs connect with universities and technical institutes. If effectively managed, internships could become a clearer pathway from study to sustained employment for Panama’s young workforce.