WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government plans to launch a registration and legalization program for undocumented migrants starting May 1, as part of a temporary initiative called “Rib’é lugá.”
The program will apply to individuals who entered the island before October 20 of last year and currently do not have a residence or work permit.
According to an initial estimate, about 7,000 undocumented persons are expected to register for the program once it begins.
The initiative will be implemented in two stages. First, undocumented migrants will be registered, after which their individual situations will be evaluated to determine whether they qualify for legalization.
The Ministry of Justice emphasized that the program is intended as a temporary measure. The legal, administrative and operational details of the process are still being finalized.
The ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) to develop the program and coordinate its implementation.
Justice Minister Shalten Hato said the plan has already been presented to several stakeholders and that a dedicated information page will soon be launched to guide participants through the process.
Authorities also warned that official information about the program’s requirements and procedures will only be published through government channels. The ministry cautioned that information circulating through other sources could create unrealistic expectations.
For now, the Ministry of Justice said it is not necessary for people to visit the Immigration and Naturalization Service to request additional information.
A press conference is scheduled for March 26, when the ministries of Justice and SOAW, together with partner organizations, will provide more details about the “Rib’é lugá” program and its implementation.