WILLEMSTAD, PARAMARIBO - The ongoing brain drain from Suriname is now making significant inroads into the construction sector, with an increasing number of skilled workers leaving for opportunities in Curaçao. According to Suriname Herald, this trend highlights the growing challenge faced by Suriname’s workforce.
One contractor, M.A., shared that he recently received an offer to build an apartment complex in Curaçao. His brother has been working there for six months on a hotel project. While M.A. is eager to take the opportunity, he is hesitant due to uncertainties surrounding his residency status and the emotional weight of leaving his family behind.
The demand for Surinamese craftsmen in Curaçao has surged, largely fueled by the recovery of the tourism industry post-COVID-19. As tourism booms, construction projects for hotels, apartments, and shopping centers are ramping up to accommodate the influx of visitors.
To fulfill this growing demand for labor, many Surinamese construction workers are being recruited through social media platforms or by family and friends already established on the islands.
The trend is not limited to construction; the oil sector is also experiencing a heightened demand for Surinamese labor. Refineries in both the Netherlands and Curaçao are emerging as popular destinations for skilled workers seeking better opportunities abroad.
As the brain drain continues, the impact on Suriname’s labor market could be profound, with critical sectors facing shortages of skilled workers amidst a burgeoning regional demand.