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The recovery of B/.9,896,859.30 in owed wages for seafarers marks the balance of the first two years of management by the Department of Maritime Labor Affairs (DEALM), under the General Directorate of Seafarers (DGGM). During this period, 2,029 employment contracts for Panamanian seafarers were also registered, and actions to protect their labor rights were strengthened.
During that period, DEALM processed 653 repatriations, handled 788 maritime labor complaints, conducted 598 labor inspections, provided 407 specialized consultations, and completed 39 conciliations, strengthening the mechanisms for addressing and defending the rights of seafarers.
The behavior of the maritime labor market also showed a positive trend. Between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2026, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) registered 2,029 employment contracts for Panamanian seafarers.
Between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026 alone, 1,096 contracts were received, representing a 17.5% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Likewise, between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, 933 contracts were registered, a 5.31% increase compared to the preceding period when 886 contracts were received.
According to the DGGM, these results are partly due to the strengthening of labor inspections and the support provided to companies in the sector, which has encouraged a greater submission of contracts for review and registration in accordance with current regulations.
As the competent authority in maritime labor matters, DEALM verifies, registers, and safeguards seafarers' employment contracts, in addition to guiding workers and employers on compliance with applicable maritime labor legislation.
These actions reaffirm AMP's commitment to complying with the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), ratified by Panama, as well as Executive Decree No. 86 of 2013 and Executive Decree No. 160 of March 3, 2021, instruments that promote decent work and guarantee the protection of the labor rights of Panamanian seafarers.
