ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Aruba’s Ombudsman, Mr. Jurima Bryson, has received an increasing number of complaints from residents experiencing difficulty securing appointments to register at the Civil Registry and Census Office (Censo).
The complaints indicate that many citizens are unable to schedule an appointment within a reasonable timeframe. According to the Ombudsman, there appears to be a structural imbalance between the demand for registration and the office’s processing capacity.
This issue affects not only new residents with recently issued permits but also Arubans returning from abroad who need to re-register. As a result, citizens face long wait times and uncertainty regarding when they can complete their registration.
The consequences are significant. Registration in the Civil Registry is essential for accessing various services. Without it, residents may encounter difficulties with healthcare (AZV), education, social benefits, employment, banking, insurance, and housing.
The Ombudsman stressed that the government must organize its services so citizens can fully exercise their rights in a timely manner.
On June 15, 2026, the Ombudsman sent a formal letter of concern to the Minister of Justice and Social Affairs, Mr. Arthur Dowers, recommending measures to improve accessibility, punctuality, and continuity of the registration process. Key recommendations include reducing current delays, expanding appointment availability, strengthening processing capacity, and providing clearer information to citizens.
The full letter detailing the recommendations is available on the Ombudsman’s website: www.ombudsman.aw/pa/publicacion.
