WILLEMSTAD – A major step in the fight against youth unemployment was taken on June 25, 2025, when the Council of Ministers approved the Youth Labor Participation Law, an official initiative of MFK Members of Parliament. The law has now been submitted for signature by the Governor, after which it will be published and enter into force. 

This significant milestone marks a new phase in creating a future where every young person in Curaçao has a real chance at employment. 

Support from Key Ministries 

The Minister of Finance congratulated Parliament President Mr. Brownbill and Minister of Traffic, Transportation, and Urban Planning (VVRP) Mr. Cooper for their active involvement in bringing this transformative legislation to life. “This is a law that can truly change lives,” the statement said. 

Incentives for Employers 

Employers are called to play a vital role in this initiative. The law serves as an invitation—a call to action—for all business owners and organizations across the island to offer young people an opportunity. 

Under specific conditions, employers who hire young people between the ages of 18 and 29 will be exempt from paying social security premiums, thereby reducing salary costs. 

The government emphasizes that this is not just a cost-saving measure, but also an investment in the island’s future. The Pisas III Cabinet is urging the private sector to hire young people with no experience or no diploma, and give them the chance to learn, grow, and work. 

More Net Pay for Young Workers 

For young people themselves, this law is more than a policy change—it’s a signal of trust. With income tax exemptions for participating youth, they’ll take home more of what they earn—money they’ve worked hard to gain. 

Overtime Tax Relief for All Workers 

The law also includes a new provision on overtime work. As of now, up to 520 overtime hours per year will be tax-exempt for all employees—in both the private and public sectors. This recognizes that those who put in extra effort deserve to earn more. 

Minister Charles Cooper, who has long advocated for this reform, expressed satisfaction that workers will finally see fair rewards for their overtime labor. 

Employment as Dignity and Hope 

For MFK, this is not just fiscal legislation. “We believe work is not only a source of income, but also a source of dignity, personal growth, and hope,” said the party. 

With every young person who secures employment and every employer who opens their doors, Curaçao moves one step closer to becoming a place where no one is left behind. 

A Call to Action 

To all employers: invest in the future of our island—invest in our youth. Hire a young person without experience, without a diploma. Give them a chance, give them confidence, give them a future. This law gives you the tools—now it’s up to you. 

And to all young people: your future depends on the steps you take today. Apply actively for jobs where you can keep learning and growing, and where you’ll benefit directly from tax incentives.