WILLEMSTAD – More than 4,200 residents of Curaçao between the ages of 35 and 64 are not participating in the labour market because of illness or a physical or psychological limitation. According to the Labour Force Survey 2025 published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), health problems are the most common individual reason why people in these age groups are neither working nor looking for employment.
Among residents aged 35 to 44, nearly 1,000 people reported health issues or disabilities as the reason for not participating in the labour market. In the 45-to-54 age group, the number is almost 800 people.
The largest group consists of residents between 55 and 64 years old. Nearly 2,500 people in this age category indicated that health problems or a limitation prevent them from working or searching for a job.
In total, more than 6,000 residents aged 15 and older are outside the labour market due to health-related reasons. This figure also includes more than 1,500 people aged 65 and older, who are not part of the traditional working-age population.
Economically inactive population
The CBS classifies these residents as part of the economically inactive population. They are therefore not counted as unemployed. Under the international definition used by CBS, a person is considered unemployed only if they are actively searching for work and are available to start within two weeks.
Health-related reasons account for almost 10 percent of all economic inactivity in Curaçao.
Among economically inactive people aged 35 to 44, approximately one-third indicate illness or disability as the reason they are not working. For those aged 45 to 54, the figure is around one-quarter, while among residents aged 55 to 64, more than 37 percent cite health problems.
For the oldest working-age group, health is by far the most important reason for not participating in the labour market. Retirement or age-related reasons are mentioned by approximately 19 percent, while nearly 13 percent say they are not looking for work because they believe no employment opportunities are available.
Potential workforce reserve
CBS notes that a significant portion of the economically inactive population is not necessarily outside the labour market by choice. People who cannot work due to health problems may represent a potential labour reserve, although the survey does not determine how many could return to employment through medical treatment, support programmes or adapted working conditions.
The findings are relevant as Curaçao continues to face labour shortages in several economic sectors.
However, the report does not examine which specific medical conditions or limitations prevent people from working. It also does not distinguish between physical illnesses, psychological challenges or permanent disabilities.
CBS emphasizes that the figures are based on a sample survey and should be interpreted as estimates. The published tables do not include margins of error.