WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Ministry of Justice has unveiled a detailed plan for managing undocumented individuals through its "Undocumented Individuals Process Program." The program, part of the government’s Responsible Integration Policy, was recently presented to the Council of Ministers by Minister Shalton Hato. The initiative allows undocumented individuals to apply for residency permits based on humanitarian and economic grounds, offering a pathway to regularization.
The document distinguishes between undocumented adults and undocumented minors. The intake process involves multiple agencies, including the Curaçao Immigration Office, the Judicial Care Executive Organization (UOJZ), the Border Control and Immigration Unit (UVTG), the Reception Officer, and the Steering Group.
During the screening process, the Curaçao Police Force (KPC) becomes involved, with additional collaboration from organizations such as Path (Prevention of Abuse and Human Trafficking), Shelters, PSI Skuchami, Social Care and Recovery Foundation, and the Ministry of Justice.
The program also outlines the role of the case manager, who is responsible for providing legal support or assisting with return arrangements for undocumented individuals. If there is a change in the individual’s situation, the case manager may transfer the person to another expert guide specialized in their new circumstances. If issues arise during the process, the case manager is tasked with flagging them. The case manager serves as the main contact for all involved parties.
The Local Cooperation Meeting is responsible for making decisions about exit procedures. The case manager is expected to lead conversations related to this phase. The Ministry of Justice serves as the legal authority on decisions concerning the exit process.
Once a decision is made to end the care and support for an individual in the undocumented program, it is the case manager's responsibility to discuss the matter with the individual. The document emphasizes ensuring a “warm handover” to another organization or facilitating the exit process when possible.
This program reflects the government's ongoing efforts to address the issue of undocumented individuals in Curaçao while providing clear guidance and support for both integration and exit strategies.