Turkish migrants deported by the US to Panama remain stranded: 'Please help us'
A total of 299 migrants deported from the US are being temporarily held at a hotel in Panama's capital. While the migrants state they do not want to return to their home countries, the Panamanian government has announced that they must choose a third country. It was also reported that there are Turkish citizens among the deported migrants.
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The Panamanian government has placed 299 migrants deported from the US at the Decápolis Hotel in the capital, Panama City. It was reported that the migrants include citizens of India, China, Uzbekistan, Iran, Vietnam, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. In addition to citizens of these countries, information was provided that there are Turkish citizens among the migrants. Panamanian leader Jose Raul Mulino noted that his country is acting as a 'bridge country' within the scope of an agreement made with the US.
The migrants attempted to make their situation known by hanging signs from the hotel windows with messages such as 'Please help us' and 'We are not safe in our country'.
According to a report by BBC Türkçe, Panamanian Minister of Public Security Frank Abrego announced that the migrants are being held temporarily and that those who refuse to return to their home countries will have to choose a third country. Abrego stated that the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will provide support during this process.
TURKISH MIGRANTS ALSO DEPORTED
The Turkish Embassy in Panama announced that they are in contact with Panamanian authorities regarding the matter and have requested information. The embassy stated that they do not have confirmed information on how many Turkish citizens are in the hotel. The Turkish migrants are unable to leave the hotel due to the deportation agreement.
While some of the migrants have refused to return to their home countries, it was reported that these individuals will be transferred to a camp in the Darien province.
The Panamanian government did not allow the migrants staying at the hotel to make contact with the outside world. The migrants claimed that they lack access to lawyers and the opportunity to apply for asylum.
Following media coverage of the migrants at the hotel, security measures were increased and their access to the internet was restricted. Panamanian authorities have not made any official statement regarding the living conditions of the migrants.