In 2009, the number of successful work permits granted to foreign citizens increased 58.2%.
This increase is driven by a demand for workers with very specific knowledge, as in the case of the expansion of the Canal and the arrival of a series of multinational corporations. A contributing factor is the lack of domestic skilled labor in some areas.
"A report from the Labor Ministry shows that 12.118 work permits were processed in 2009, up from 7.657 in 2008", reported Prensa.com.