WILLEMSTAD – Finance Minister Javier Silvania is once again advocating for the legalization of undocumented migrants living on Curaçao, calling the move not only humane but also financially necessary for the island’s future.
This is Silvania’s second attempt to address the issue after a similar push in May 2023. Several MFK parliamentarians have also voiced support for legalization.
According to government figures, between 11,600 and 17,000 undocumented individuals, mostly Venezuelans, reside on Curaçao. Their presence, Silvania argues, creates both financial burdens and missed opportunities. The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) is legally required to provide them with emergency care, costing the government an average of 6.5 million guilders annually. Between 2019 and 2022, these healthcare expenses totaled nearly 20 million guilders.
At the same time, Curaçao is losing tens of millions in unpaid taxes and social premiums each year. Inspections by the tax office frequently reveal that employers are not paying contributions for undocumented workers, who often flee when inspection teams arrive. Based on current estimates, the country misses out on 86.5 million guilders annually in social premiums if 11,600 people are working at minimum wage. That figure rises to 126.7 million guilders for 17,000 people.
“With the pressure currently facing our social funds, the ability to collect social premiums from undocumented workers is of great importance,” Silvania stressed.
Demographic challenges
The minister also pointed to demographic shifts worsening the strain on Curaçao’s economy. While the number of pensioners increased from 43,900 in 2018 to 50,800 in 2023—an almost 16 percent rise—the number of workers has remained stagnant despite 16.3 percent economic growth. In 2018, there was one retiree for every 1.7 workers; by 2023, the ratio had declined to one retiree for every 1.2 workers.
Silvania warned that without structural change, the imbalance between retirees and workers will continue to undermine Curaçao’s ability to sustain its pension and healthcare systems.
Risks of exploitation and instability
The minister further cautioned that the current situation leaves undocumented migrants vulnerable to exploitation, as they are barred from legally working. “Every year we celebrate our emancipation from slavery on August 17, yet at the same time we cannot allow forms of modern slavery to exist before our eyes,” he wrote.
He also noted that social and economic insecurity among this group could push individuals into criminal activity or prostitution, with negative consequences for society at large.
Call for cooperation
Silvania acknowledged that legalizing undocumented migrants requires close collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) on work permits and with the Ministry of Justice on residency permits. He pledged his ministry’s full support to work together on solutions.
“The current situation demands political courage and cooperation between ministries,” Silvania concluded in his memo.
