In Aruba, many migrants, despite holding valid residency and work permits, face serious challenges in accessing essential services due to delays and obstacles in the Civil Registry and Census department. Although the government speaks of modernization and greater efficiency, the reality on the ground is very different: a system that fails to meet demand, and services that remain inaccessible.
This issue is not a small or isolated one. It is a structural problem that directly impacts the quality of life not only for Aruba’s citizens but also for those who, according to the law, have the right to fully participate in society. Without proper documentation, such as a simple 5 Florin paper or an official certificate, a work or residency permit, many of these individuals are unable to meet basic requirements to open a bank account, sign a rental contract, or access other essential services.
Living Without a Bank Account: Cash-Only Life and Risks
One of the most severe consequences of this issue is the inability to open a bank account. Without the required documents, banks cannot process applications, forcing many legal workers to keep their salaries in cash at home, literally hidden under their mattresses. This situation not only creates insecurity (due to risks of theft or loss) but also limits their ability to save, invest, or build a stable financial future.
Additionally, without a bank account, they are excluded from modern conveniences like digital payments, transfers, or formal proof of income—necessary for many other transactions.
No Formal Housing: A Cycle of Exclusion
Another area where the problem is evident is in accessing housing. Many property owners in Aruba require proof of income and a bank account to sign a rental contract. Without these, individuals are excluded from the formal housing market, often forced to live in irregular or informal situations, without legal protection or a contract, and at constant risk of losing their place to live.
Basic Rights in Jeopardy
This situation highlights a serious contradiction: individuals who are law-abiding, with permits to live and work in Aruba, are unable to exercise their basic rights in practice. Access to the banking system, decent housing, and financial security should not be a luxury—it must be a guaranteed right.
When government departments like the Civil Registry and Census, instead of facilitating processes, create barriers, the effects multiply across all aspects of daily life. These delays and inefficiencies are not just administrative; they have deep human, social, and economic impacts.
Call for Accountability and Change
It is essential for the competent authorities to recognize the gravity of this situation and take immediate action. The process to obtain basic documentation must be transparent, swift, and accessible to all locals and residents.
Aruba prides itself on its hospitality and respect. However, the reality for many residents shows that there is still much room for improvement. Guaranteeing equal access to basic rights is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative.
