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Panama’s regulation governing medical leave certificates in this country will undergo a major...
The Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) announced the implementation of a 100% waiver of surcharges for employers with outstanding obligations, a measure enacted pursuant to Board Resolution No. 1556.
This benefit will remain in force from March 25 to September 24, 2026, and aims to incentivize the settlement of debts owed to the social security system, thereby strengthening coverage and protection for affiliated workers.
The initiative seeks to facilitate the regularization of obligations for employers with outstanding debts to the IGSS by eliminating surcharges associated with unpaid contributions.
According to the Institute’s technical assessments, it is estimated that approximately 18,899 employers could benefit from this waiver, which would help safeguard or reinstate social security coverage for approximately 302,039 affiliated workers.
The measure responds to studies on the current delinquency levels and their impact on the workforce, with the objective of providing employers with an opportunity to settle their status and ensure that their employees continue to have access to services within the social security system.
Payment Options to Settle Outstanding Debt
Employers interested in regularizing their obligations may do so through two methods:
• Single lump-sum payment, by paying the total amount owed.
• Debt acknowledgment agreement, through a payment plan with a maximum term of up to 60 months.
Upon payment of the outstanding employer and employee contributions, employers will benefit from the total waiver of the following penalties:
• Late-payment surcharges
• Financing interest
• Administrative expenses
• Compensatory interest
• Statutory interest
• Court costs
Accessing the Benefit
The IGSS indicated that details regarding the procedures and requirements to access this waiver will be communicated through its official channels.
In this context, the Institute encourages employers with outstanding obligations to take advantage of this measure and regularize their standing within the social security system, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the system and the protection of affiliated workers.
Please contact us if you have questions regarding this or other labor matters. We would be pleased to assist you.
