WILLEMSTAD – The political party PAR has put forward a bold proposal for the government of Curaçao: a six-month grace period to allow undocumented workers on the island to register voluntarily without fear of deportation and to receive a legal work permit after screening.
The proposal would temporarily suspend enforcement of the Landsverordening Arbeid Vreemdelingen (Labour for Foreigners Ordinance), the national decree on work permits, and the Landsverordening Toelating en Uitzetting (Admission and Expulsion Ordinance). According to PAR, the amnesty would provide an orderly, humane, and controlled path for undocumented workers who are already part of Curaçao’s economy to come forward, register, and integrate responsibly into society.
PAR argues that this initiative could immediately strengthen the base of contributors to the AOV basic pension fund, as well as to social security, health funds, and tax revenues. “Everyone who is able to work must be allowed to work, whether part-time or full-time,” the party said.
Registration and costs
Under the proposal, undocumented workers would register directly with the Immigration Department without risk of expulsion. After screening based on education, skills, and work experience, and taking into account Curaçao’s labor needs, they could receive a three-year work permit.
To avoid abuse or exploitation by third parties, the undocumented person would cover the cost of their own permit, which PAR proposes to set at 1,500 guilders per year (125 guilders per month), modeled on Aruba’s system.
Economic impact
PAR estimates that Curaçao has around 30,000 undocumented residents, of whom approximately 20,000 are of working age and already active in the labor market. If legalized, these workers could generate 30 million guilders annually in permit fees alone, or 300 million guilders over the next decade.
More significantly, based on a median monthly salary of 2,500 guilders, their formal integration could bring an additional 90 million guilders per year into the AOV fund through employee and employer contributions—amounting to 900 million guilders in 10 years.
Broader integration
PAR emphasized that the work permit plan is part of a broader vision for the responsible legalization and integration of undocumented residents, including children and the elderly. The party has consulted with Human Rights Defense Curaçao (HRDC) to gather input and intends to present further details in a future communication.
“The time has come to face this reality,” PAR stated. “Undocumented workers are already here and already contributing. By legalizing their status, we can strengthen our economy, protect their rights, and safeguard the sustainability of our social funds.”
