WILLEMSTAD – MFK Member of Parliament Gilbert Doran is once again calling on the government to take action against the possible employment of foreign artists without the required work permits. After raising concerns in 2024 about local musicians being pushed aside, Doran has now submitted questions to both the Ministers of Economic Development and Justice.
Doran wants to know whether the government is aware of reports that hospitality businesses are increasingly hiring foreign performers while local musicians are receiving fewer opportunities to perform.
The parliamentarian is requesting information on the number of work permits or other authorizations issued to foreign musicians, artists and entertainers over the past five years. He also wants clarification on the legal basis that allows foreign performers to receive payment for artistic work on Curaçao.
A key issue raised by Doran concerns individuals entering Curaçao as tourists, remote workers or short-term visitors. He questions whether people with these statuses are legally allowed to perform paid artistic activities on the island.
According to Doran, there is a risk that certain residency arrangements are being used for activities that should legally be considered employment and therefore require proper authorization.
The MFK parliamentarian is also asking how hotels, resorts and other hospitality businesses are monitored. He wants to know whether authorities have registered violations or imposed sanctions in the past five years related to the unauthorized hiring of foreign artists.
Local talent
Doran places the issue within the broader discussion about opportunities for local professionals in the cultural sector. He argues that the growth of tourism and hospitality should not only benefit businesses, but should also create more employment and income opportunities for Curaçao’s musicians and artists.
He asks whether the repeated preference for foreign performers over local talent could negatively affect the income and professional development of Curaçaoan musicians.
According to Doran, stronger oversight is needed to ensure that economic growth in the tourism sector also contributes to the local creative industry and provides fair opportunities for artists from Curaçao.