More than 22,000 migrants have sailed from a remote Panamanian port this year attempting to return to South America. The continuous flow of people is using the port of Miramar in Colon Province as a departure point for a maritime journey to Colombia.
Authorities from Panama’s National Migration Service (Panama) confirmed the figure this week. They stated the migrants are primarily from Costa Rica and are trying to reach their countries of origin. This movement represents a significant and sustained migratory route along Panama’s Caribbean coast.
Interagency Operation Monitors Departures
A multi-agency presence remains active in Miramar to monitor and regulate the departures. Officials from the National Migration Service, the National Aeronaval Service (Panama), and other state entities are coordinating efforts. Recent meetings involved the Governor’s office of Colón Province and the Panama Maritime Authority.
The goal is to ensure orderly and safe departures of the small, often rustic vessels. Each agency has a defined role in the process according to the established protocol.
“The Maritime Authority supervises the departures, Migration monitors the flow of people, and the Aeronaval Service verifies that vessels meet safety measures and that captains have proper documentation,” a National Migration Service official explained. [Translated from Spanish]
Parallel to the sea departures, the government has conducted humanitarian flights for migrant repatriation. These flights form part of a broader strategy to manage the complex situation. The combined land, sea, and air movements highlight the dynamic nature of migration through the isthmus.
Local residents in Miramar have grown accustomed to the steady stream of people passing through their community. The port activity underscores Panama’s ongoing role as a critical transit point for regional migration. Authorities continue to balance humanitarian concerns with maritime safety and border security protocols.
This reverse flow from Central America back toward South America marks a notable shift in traditional migration patterns. It often involves individuals who could not continue northward or are seeking to return home. The Panamanian servicio nacional aeronaval plays a key role in ensuring these dangerous sea voyages comply with basic safety standards.
Panama’s servicio nacional agencies remain on high alert. The interagency model used in Miramar reflects a coordinated approach to a persistent challenge. Officials have not provided an estimate for when this migratory movement might subside.
Operations to manage migrant flows are ongoing across the country. This includes recent actions by the migrantes servicio nacional in other regions. The situation in Miramar is expected to remain active in the coming weeks as migration trends evolve.