WILLEMSTAD – The expansion of paternity leave in Curaçao has moved a step closer to becoming law, now that the draft legislation has formally been taken up for consideration by Parliament.
The proposal seeks to amend the Civil Code to grant fathers and partners the right to leave around the birth of a child. The right would also apply to unmarried partners, provided the child is legally recognized by the father.
The bill was submitted to Parliament following advice from the Raad van Advies (Council of Advice). While the advisory body supports the objective of the proposal, it has raised several concerns regarding its implementation.
Among the key points highlighted are questions about how the leave will be financed and the potential for legal inequality between employees in the private sector and civil servants. The proposed amendment would also affect public servants and requires adjustments to the National Ordinance on Health Insurance, as paternity leave would be legally embedded within existing social security frameworks.
According to the Council of Advice, it is essential that the government clarify in advance who will bear the financial costs and how the scheme will be administered in practice. Without clear arrangements, the advisory body warns, implementation problems could arise.
The government has been advised to address these concerns before Parliament proceeds to final decision-making. If approved, the reform would mark a significant development in family policy in Curaçao, reflecting broader recognition of the role of fathers and partners in early childcare and family life.