WILLEMSTAD – Despite a decline in unemployment, new labour market figures show that Curaçao continues to face challenges in maintaining broad economic participation.
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported that the unemployment rate decreased from 7.8 percent in 2024 to 5.1 percent in 2025. However, the total labour force also declined by more than 3,000 people.
The decline means fewer residents are either working or actively searching for employment.
CBS found that the number of economically inactive residents increased by 6,251 people in 2025. This group includes people who are not part of the labour force.
The developments raise questions about long-term workforce availability, especially as Curaçao seeks economic growth while facing demographic challenges and pressure on social systems.
The CBS Labour Force Survey provides policymakers with data to evaluate employment policies, workforce development and economic participation.