Minister of Justice Arthur Dowers announced during a press conference this week that more than 5,000 people have registered in the DIMAS “Hunto pa Progreso” system, exceeding initial expectations.
According to Minister Dowers, early estimates suggested registrations would reach just over 5,000 people, but preliminary data analysis now indicates that this number has already been surpassed. He emphasized that further analysis is still required to determine how many of these registrations involve standard permits versus permits issued specifically under the Hunto pa Progreso program.
The Minister explained that when the program began, a large number of individuals applied for residency permits and paid the required fees. Initial projections estimated the program would generate approximately 10 million florins, but updated calculations now suggest that it has brought in around 19 million florins in additional revenue for the Government of Aruba.
Minister Dowers described this as positive news, noting that many individuals who had been living in Aruba illegally for years were not contributing directly to government revenues, even if they wished to legalize their status. Through this program, these individuals are now registered within official systems, contributing not only through permit fees but also through increased economic activity, taxes, and social security contributions.
He further stated that the Hunto pa Progreso initiative was necessary to address a situation that had grown out of control, where many people remained in the country illegally. The Minister stressed that Aruba is returning to a stricter immigration approach, whereby individuals seeking to live in Aruba legally must apply from abroad and follow regular procedures before entering the country.
“We believe it is essential that anyone who wishes to reside in Aruba legally follows the established legal process and awaits the government’s decision before entering,” Minister Dowers concluded.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/mas-di-5-mil-persona-a-registra-den-sistema-hunto-pa-progreso-dimas
