ORANJESTAD (AAN) – AHATA CEO Tisa LaSorte says the new policies introduced by the Ministry of Justice and Integration have significantly helped DIMAS address labor shortages by legalizing workers who were previously undocumented.
In an interview with DIARIO, LaSorte explained that DIMAS has successfully processed work permits for thousands of individuals who can now legally work and pay taxes in Aruba. According to her, this has helped businesses that only employ workers with legal status and has eased some of the pressure in the labor market.
However, she noted that the problem has not been fully resolved. While workers may receive a work permit, they cannot begin working until they are registered at the Civil Registry (Censo).
LaSorte pointed out that Censo continues to face capacity challenges, making it difficult for people to secure appointments quickly. As a result, delays remain in the process, preventing some workers from entering the workforce immediately.
She added that AHATA maintains a positive working relationship with DIMAS and the Ministry of Justice and Integration and continues to participate in discussions aimed at finding solutions to the remaining challenges.
According to LaSorte, some of the most difficult positions to fill remain housekeeping and cooking jobs within the hospitality sector.
She also noted that the hotel industry has been adjusting its business model, focusing more on generating value rather than increasing visitor numbers. Hotels are operating with fewer employees per room and lower occupancy rates while aiming to provide higher-value services.
Despite these changes, LaSorte emphasized that the sector still needs well-trained and qualified workers to maintain high service standards. She stated that guests who pay higher prices expect better service, and labor shortages continue to make it difficult to deliver the level of service the industry strives to provide.
