WILLEMSTAD – A woman who had not reported to work since 2015 has been definitively dismissed from government service, following a ruling by the Raad van Beroep in Ambtenarenzaken. The decision confirms an earlier dismissal by the government and brings an end to a long-running case involving prolonged absence and non-compliance with medical obligations.
The woman had been employed as a legal officer since 1982. She became long-term ill and was declared unfit for work, but failed to cooperate with mandatory medical procedures. According to the ruling, she did not appear for a required medical assessment in 2022, did not provide requested medical information, and repeatedly failed to respond to invitations from the ministry responsible for her employment.
As a result of this lack of cooperation, the government decided to dismiss her from public service with effect from October 1, 2024. The employee appealed that decision, arguing that the dismissal was unjustified. However, the Appeals Council rejected her arguments.
In its judgment, the Council emphasized that civil servants who are on long-term sick leave remain obliged to cooperate with medical examinations and to provide relevant information when requested. By failing to do so, the employee had breached her duties as a public servant, the Council concluded.
The ruling means that the dismissal remains in force and is final. The case highlights the legal obligations of government employees during periods of long-term illness and confirms that prolonged absence without cooperation can ultimately lead to termination of employment.