WILLEMSTAD – The Council of Ministers of Curaçao made several significant decisions on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, addressing a range of national and administrative matters, including public sector benefits, youth employment, and international health regulations. 

1. Proposal to Increase Civil Servants' Vacation Allowance 

The Council approved a draft national ordinance to increase the vacation allowance for civil servants. The proposal, developed by the Ministry of Governance, Planning and Public Services, will now be submitted to the Council of Advice through the Governor. The decision incorporates input from the Director of Legislation and Legal Affairs. 

2. Approval of Amendments to International Health Regulations 

The Council agreed on responses to parliamentary questions regarding the amendment of the International Health Regulations (Geneva, 2005). These responses will be processed further by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of General Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature. 

3. Requirements for Petroleum Council Members Finalized 

A revised draft decree outlining the qualifications and profile requirements for members of the Petroleum Council has been approved. The document, prepared by the Ministry of General Affairs, will now be submitted for official signature by the Governor. 

4. Youth Employment Law Approved 

The Council of Ministers has formally approved an initiative law to promote labor market participation among young people and young adults. The law, developed with input from the Ministries of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW), Finance, and General Affairs, also includes provisions to address fiscal implications previously raised by the Council of Advice. The law’s implementation timeline has also been confirmed. 

5. Hiring of Temporary Student Workers for Summer Break 

The Council has agreed to temporarily hire student workers during the 2025 summer vacation period for a maximum of three weeks. This decision, overseen by the Ministry of Governance, Planning and Public Services, includes set weekly allowances: 

ƒ201 for students from AGO and VSBO programs 

ƒ225 for students from HAVO, VWO, SBO, MTS, HBO, and university levels 

The initiative is contingent on the availability of sufficient funds in the national budget. 

These decisions reflect the government's ongoing efforts to improve governance, public services, and socio-economic development, with a special focus on youth empowerment and administrative transparency.