Last year, Panama welcomed 300,000 migrants from South America.

Officials from the National Migration Service of Panama informed Reuters that last year, 302,203 migrants crossed through Darien, which is a 42% decrease from the record high of 520,085 in 2023. According to them, approximately 69% of migrants in 2024 were Venezuelans.

"We work every day to ensure that illegal migration does not reach Panama City or the rest of the country," said Mulino while addressing lawmakers on Thursday.

Last year, 209,000 Venezuelans who crossed Darien were granted permission to continue their journey, as Panama and Venezuela suspended direct flights following the July elections in Venezuela.

Analysts warn that Panama’s measures may prove ineffective, as they do not address the underlying issues driving people to migrate.