WILLEMSTAD - Venezuelans without valid residence papers are not simply released in Curaçao. The coast guard, immigration service and police continue to strictly monitor and arrest people, says the Minister of Justice, Quincy Girigorie.

With this information, the minister hopes that the news about the release of dozens of Venezuelans in the last few days will not stimulate others to come to Curaçao thinking that they can stay. Friday there were 42 and Saturday 20.

The Minister of Justice says that the release of Saturday had to do with a communication error. Those 20 Venezuelans should never have been released. The release of 42 migrants on Friday was related to an emergency situation and lack of space in the barracks at the prison. Migrants would have been instructed to report again once there is space available.

Curaçao is faced with the fact that according to the rules Venezuelans cannot be detained at all, because deportation is impossible in practice. Initially, Venezuela still allowed arrested illegal immigrants to be sent back via an air bridge between Willemstad and Caracas. Since this week that is no longer possible.

The minister says that consultations are taking place with Venezuela about the return of Venezuelans who are illegally in Curaçao as soon as possible. Furthermore, in cooperation with the Netherlands, more and better care options in the prison are being worked on.