WILLEMSTAD – Passengers on KLM flight 736 departed from Hato International Airport yesterday without undergoing the usual passport control. Both staffed checkpoints and electronic gates were out of operation, allowing travelers to proceed directly to security screening without any immigration checks.
A passenger described the experience in a message: “There was no passport control at Hato today, not even a self-scan option. We just walked straight to Security upstairs. I’ve never seen anything like this before!”
Authorities Respond
When questioned about the incident, the Immigration Service denied that there were ever no officers present at the control points or electronic gates. However, a spokesperson for the airport confirmed the lapse in passport control, stating that a similar incident occurred two weeks ago.
Since 2021, the Immigration Service at Hato has been facing staffing shortages, often resulting in long queues and missed flights. At times, only one immigration officer is available, causing significant delays. Additionally, electronic gates can only be used if an officer is present to assist travelers.
Growing Concerns Over Immigration Issues
Johnny Anderson, Director of Curaçao Airport Partners, has also voiced concerns over ongoing immigration problems, highlighting that the airport is operating at peak capacity and that passenger flow is severely impacted by staff shortages. “There’s nothing we can do about it,” he stated.
Potential Consequences for Travelers
The lack of an exit stamp can cause issues for passengers, particularly Dutch travelers, who are only permitted to stay a maximum of 180 days within a 365-day period. Without a proper departure record, travelers may face complications upon re-entry, as immigration officers may be unable to verify their previous stays.
The recurring staffing shortages and passport control failures raise concerns about security, efficiency, and compliance with immigration regulations, putting pressure on authorities to resolve the situation urgently.