Summary.
The bill amends Law 54 of 2011, which establishes the temporary resident category for sports professionals. Article 1 replaces Article 3 of that law and defines a person in this category as a foreign national who enters the country under contract for expertise in a sport and complies with immigration law. The definition links employment based on sports expertise to compliance with the rules governing the foreign national’s entry and residence.
The new Article 3 provides that a temporary residence permit for a sports professional is valid for two years. Once that period ends, it may be extended for up to four additional years, with multiple entries into and exits from the country. At the end of the extended period, the applicant may apply for permanent residence under immigration law. The provision thus sets out the permit’s initial duration, its possible extension, and a subsequent application for permanent residence within the immigration system.
The same amendment identifies the people who may be included in an application as dependents of a temporary or permanent resident. They include spouses, children under 18, family members with disabilities, and dependent parents. They also include children over 18 and up to 25, provided they study regularly and depend financially on the resident. A minor may also be included as a dependent if the resident demonstrates that they have legal guardianship or custody and care of the minor. These conditions govern dependents associated with the residence permit holder.
Article 2 replaces Article 4 of Law 54 of 2011. It requires the permit application to be filed with the National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) in accordance with immigration law governing the processing of temporary residence permits. In addition to the general requirements set out in Article 28 of Decree Law 3 of February 22, 2008, the applicant must establish their status as a sports professional through certification from the Panama Olympic Committee (Comité Olímpico de Panamá) or the Panamanian Sports Institute (Instituto Panameño de Deportes). Article 4 of the bill declares the amendment of Articles 3 and 4 of Law 54 of May 19, 2011. Article 5 provides that the proposed law would take effect on the day after its promulgation in the Official Gazette.
Given its content, the bill concerns the National Migration Service, the Panama Olympic Committee, and the Panamanian Sports Institute, as well as organizations that hire sports professionals, foreign athletes, and their family members who may be included in applications as dependents.
What it proposes.
- Temporary residence for foreign sports professionals.
- Duration and extension of the immigration permit.
- Dependents and subsequent application for permanent residence.
- Proof of sports professional status.
Who it would affect.
- Foreign nationals hired for their sports expertise.
- Family members and minors who may be included in applications as dependents.
- Organizations that hire sports professionals.
Key points.
- Defines a temporary resident in the sports professional category as a foreign national hired for their sports expertise who complies with immigration requirements.Art. 1
- Sets the permit’s initial validity at two years and allows an extension of up to four additional years, with multiple entries and exits.Art. 1
- Allows an application for permanent residence at the end of the extended period, in accordance with immigration law.Art. 1
- Specifies which family members and minors may be included in applications as dependents of a temporary or permanent resident and the applicable conditions.Art. 1
- Requires the permit application to be filed with the National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) and requires certification establishing sports professional status.Art. 2
- Declares the amendment of Articles 3 and 4 of Law 54 of May 19, 2011.Art. 4
- Provides that the law takes effect on the day after its promulgation in the Official Gazette.Art. 5