WILLEMSTAD - Migrant communities on Curaçao face significant inequality in employment, income and health outcomes, according to a new analysis released by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) as part of Census 2023. The report highlights sharp contrasts between groups, revealing which communities are most at risk economically and socially.
Dominicans, Venezuelans and Haitians Hit Hardest by Joblessness
CBS data shows that Dominican, Venezuelan and Haitian migrants consistently experience the highest unemployment rates, a trend unchanged since 2011. Many members of these groups also land in the lowest income categories, with Venezuelans and Dominicans disproportionately affected.
In contrast, Dutch migrants tend to earn salaries that best match their formal qualifications.
Education Gaps Reinforce Economic Inequality
Differences in school participation may help explain future labour market disparities:
Children from Aruba and the Dominican Republic show relatively high school attendance.
Jamaican youth attend school at significantly lower rates.
Older youth (16–24) from Suriname and the Netherlands attend school more often, while Colombian and Haitian youth fall behind.
Across all groups, school attendance is lower than in 2011, raising concern for Curaçao’s long-term human capital.
Migrants Now Nearly a Quarter of the Population
Census 2023 shows that 24.6% of Curaçao’s 155,826 residents are first-generation migrants, with sharp increases among Colombians and Venezuelans. The demographic profile of many migrant groups shows a majority of women and a trend toward ageing, with more individuals aged 65+ than in 2011.
Health Concerns: Diabetes, Glaucoma and Obesity
While most residents rate their health positively, certain conditions occur more frequently in specific migrant communities:
High blood pressure and diabetes: Dominicans and Colombians
Glaucoma: Dominicans and migrants from the BES islands
Obesity: Dominicans, Dutch residents and Venezuelans
These health issues, when combined with lower income and education levels, place certain groups at heightened socio-economic risk.
Language Use Shifting on the Island
Papiamentu remains the primary home language, but Spanish and English usage has grown. Many Dominican and Haitian migrants now speak Papiamentu at home, indicating deeper cultural integration, while Colombians and Venezuelans continue to favor Spanish.
Policy Implications
The CBS report presents important insights for policymakers, particularly as Curaçao addresses labour shortages, social inequality and integration challenges. With migrant communities forming an increasingly vital part of society, the findings highlight the need for targeted education, employment and health interventions.