WILLEMSTAD – The Council of Ministers has decided to extend the registration period for the Rib’e Lugá project by three months, giving eligible individuals until October 31, 2026, to complete their registration.
Rib’e Lugá was established to give eligible individuals an opportunity to formally register their residency status through an accessible and structured process. According to the government, the initiative is intended to contribute to a responsible immigration policy, strengthen legal certainty for those involved and provide authorities with a clearer picture of the residency situation in Curaçao.
Since the project began on May 1, 2026, a large number of people have made use of the registration opportunity. However, experiences during the first months have shown that some members of the target group require additional time, personal guidance and assistance to properly complete the process.
Authorities have also encountered several practical implementation issues, which are being addressed together with the organizations and partners involved in the project.
The government said the three-month extension is intended to ensure that the objectives of Rib’e Lugá can be achieved as fully as possible. The additional time will allow participants to complete their registration carefully and obtain assistance suited to their individual circumstances.
Justice Minister Shalten Hato said the experience gained since May demonstrated that more time was necessary for some applicants.
“Rib’e Lugá is an important project that contributes to a careful and accessible immigration policy,” Hato said. “The experiences of recent months show that part of the target group needs more time and personal guidance than could have been anticipated beforehand.”
According to the minister, extending the deadline represents a deliberate decision to prioritize quality and careful implementation.
“With this extension, we consciously choose quality and due care, so that as many eligible people as possible can properly complete their registration,” Hato said. “In doing so, we serve both the interests of those involved and those of Curaçao.”
The Ministry of Justice will continue to closely supervise the implementation of Rib’e Lugá together with participating government agencies and community partners.
During the coming months, authorities will focus on reaching eligible individuals who have not yet registered and providing participants with the assistance necessary to successfully complete the process.
People who qualify for Rib’e Lugá but have not yet registered are being urged to take advantage of the extended registration period and not wait until the October 31 deadline approaches.
Information about the registration procedure, eligibility requirements and required documentation is available through the official communication channels of the Rib’e Lugá project.