WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) has successfully completed its five-week campaign to eliminate the backlog of pending hospitality (horeca) permit applications. Minister Ruisandro Middelhof announced that the majority of cases have now been resolved, bringing long-awaited relief to many business owners. 

As previously announced, since May 2025, MEO has applied a uniform three-week deadline for advisory bodies involved in the horeca permit process. If no advice is received within this timeframe, MEO proceeds to make a decision based on the information available. 

To accelerate the process, Minister Middelhof introduced a five-week target to address all outstanding applications. According to the ministry, this effort has been completed with notable success: 

Out of 580 total applications, 429 permits have been issued or are in their final stage of approval. 

The remaining 151 cases are pending due to incomplete information or because they were filed less than three weeks ago. These are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. 

Applicants are notified directly once their permit is ready. The Permits Desk contacts clients via email or phone. Those who have applied but have not yet received notification are advised to reach out via infovergunningenloket@gobiernu.cw, telephone at +599 9 433-3123, or WhatsApp at +599 9 433-3127. Walk-ins are also possible at the Permits Desk office in Saliña (Eurobuilding, Unit 3-16) from Monday to Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Minister Middelhof emphasized that improving service to citizens and entrepreneurs remains his top priority: 

“We are committed to making the permitting process more efficient and structurally sound. This is a step toward ensuring that businesses can move forward without unnecessary delays.” 

The ministry pledged to continue implementing measures aimed at streamlining procedures and ensuring greater efficiency in the issuance of economic permits.