#Panama 🇵🇦 #BDS_LaborAlert: Labor Implications of the Reform to the Organic Law of the Social Security Administration
After nearly four months of intense discussions, Bill 163, initially filed by the Executive Branch...
As per its publication in the Official GazetteNo. 11 dated January 20, 2026, the National Assembly has approved Law No.1272, which establishes four new national public holidays. Said lawentered into force upon publication.
Pursuant to this law, the following dates arenow declared mandatory paid public holidays:
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January 18, in recognitionof the legacy of the Universal Poet, Rubén Darío.
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February 2, National Reconciliation and Peace Day.
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February 21, in tribute to General Augusto C. Sandino.
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November 8, in honor of Commander Carlos Fonseca Amador.
Likewise, Law No. 1272 amends Article66 of the Labor Code (Law No. 185) to officially include these dates in thelist of national public holidays. The updated schedule of national publicholidays is as follows:
As a result of the foregoing, public andprivate sector employers are advised to ensure these holidays are observedand to adjust work schedules and payroll processing in compliance with currentlabor legislation.
You may download Law No. 1272 by clicking here.
