AVP parliamentarian John Hart has called for a modern Aruba immigration policy that accounts for the labour market, population growth and ageing, infrastructure capacity and the country’s future needs.
Hart plans to put the issue on Parliament’s agenda
Hart said during the AVP parliamentary group’s weekly press conference that he intends to make immigration and integration a priority topic. He argued that Parliament should address present problems while also anticipating challenges that could become more serious over the next decade.
His proposal is a policy position rather than an enacted government measure.
Population and labour data cited
Hart referred to a 2025 Social Economic Council report and figures from Aruba’s Central Bureau of Statistics. According to the figures he cited, Aruba had 109,435 residents at the end of the second quarter of 2025, up 0.9% from the end of 2024. He said the increase was driven mainly by a 21.4% rise in migration to Aruba compared with the same period in 2024.
Hart said labour needs remain significant in hotels, construction and hospitality while an ageing population is adding pressure to the workforce.
Call to modernize admission rules
Hart called for a review of the Landsverordening Toelating en Uitzetting, the ordinance that largely governs who may enter and remain in Aruba and under what conditions.
He said the debate should identify what skills Aruba needs, how many workers are required, the sectors involved and whether stays should be temporary or longer term. He also said a complete model should address registration, housing, enforcement, integration and the protection of workers from abuse.
Hart said he plans to raise the topic in parliamentary committees with the aim of starting a broader, data-based discussion with relevant institutions.
Source
This article is based on statements reported by 24ora.
