WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao is witnessing a significant demographic shift: fewer Curaçao-born individuals are returning to the island after living abroad, while migration from foreign countries continues to grow, reshaping the island’s population dynamics.
According to the latest data from the Curaçao Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), only 15.2% of Curaçao-born residents in 2023 had previously lived abroad, a sharp decline from 25.9% in 2011. This trend marks a steady decrease in returning islanders, commonly known as Yu di Kòrsou, and brings the percentage close to 2001 levels (13.5%).
Declining Returns from the Netherlands and Former Antilles
Historically, the majority of returning Curaçaoans came from the Netherlands. However, that number has dropped from 15.7% in 2011 to 12.2% in 2023, indicating a declining reconnection with the Dutch homeland among locals. Even more striking is the near disappearance of returnees from the former Netherlands Antilles. In 2011, 3.4% of the population had lived in other Antillean islands—by 2023, that figure had fallen to just 0.87%. From the BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba), the returnee percentage is now a negligible 0.01%.
High Levels of Foreign Migration
Despite the decline in returning Curaçaoans, the island continues to welcome a high number of foreign-born residents. In 2023, 36.1% of the total population had lived abroad, compared to 43.8% in 2011.
The Netherlands remains the largest source of migrants (14.9%), followed by Colombia (3.4%), the Dominican Republic (3.3%), and Venezuela (2.7%).
Colombian migration to Curaçao has more than doubled since 2011, when only 1.5% of the population had Colombian origins. Venezuelan migration has also surged, growing from 1.5% to 2.7%. While the Dominican share saw a slight decline from 3.7% to 3.3%, it remains a significant presence.
Migrants Choosing to Stay Long-Term
Data also shows that many migrants establish deep roots in Curaçao. For example, nearly all residents of Portuguese descent have lived on the island for more than 20 years. The same is true for many from Aruba, the BES islands, China, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Sint Maarten, and Suriname.
A Changing National Identity
These demographic developments highlight a shifting national identity. As fewer Curaçaoans return from abroad and more long-term migrants settle on the island, Curaçao is evolving into a more international and multicultural society.
This change presents both opportunities and challenges for the island in terms of integration, social cohesion, housing, labor, and public policy. With a declining number of returning Yu di Kòrsou, questions arise about the future of cultural preservation, and the role of migration in shaping Curaçao’s socioeconomic landscape.
