Internship law welcomes first beneficiaries amid Supreme Court challenge

Panama’s first beneficiaries have begun internships under a new law designed to tackle the barrier that often blocks young people from their first job: the demand for previous experience.

President José Raúl Mulino celebrated the launch, saying the state and private sector had created a new opportunity for young Panamanians. He argued that the program seeks to break a cycle in which applicants are told they need three years of experience before they can compete for vacancies.

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Today, the state, together with the private sector, is launching an innovative program for Panama, one that is applied in many countries that chose to create opportunities instead of arguing over trivialities forever.

Mulino said the initiative offers a practical response to youth unemployment, although it has already been challenged before the Supreme Court. He also defended his administration’s support for private enterprise, investment and private-sector job creation, rejecting the idea that this approach should be viewed negatively.

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But how are we going to have experience if we do not have a first opportunity?

The program was established by Law 513 of March 20, 2026. It covers people aged 18 to 25 from secondary, technical, vocational or university education. Internships may run for up to 40 hours a week, during daytime or mixed shifts from Monday to Friday, with daytime work allowed on Saturdays. Overtime, holiday work and work on national days of mourning are prohibited. Each agreement must set out the duties, schedule, duration, supervision and format of the internship.

Mulino urged more companies to join so young people can gain the experience needed to compete for jobs. “I believe firmly that every door we open to opportunity is a door we close to inequality,” he said.

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I believe firmly that every door we open to opportunity is a door we close to inequality.