Foreign Nationals Who Entered Illegally Can Return to Their Country Without a Future Ban from Aruba

The temporary management of Hunto Pa Progreso focuses on individuals who entered Aruba legally through the airport but have overstayed their permitted period of stay and are now living in the country illegally. This means that persons who entered clandestinely, for example by boat or cruise ship, are not eligible for any of the four pathways offered by Hunto Pa Progreso.

For this group of undocumented individuals, Minister Dowers recommends taking advantage of the automatic exemption policy currently in effect for those who leave Aruba voluntarily. People who depart voluntarily will not be banned from reentering Aruba in the future and may even be eligible to return as tourists for short visits.

Considering that in 2026 the competent authorities will intensify migration controls across Aruba, the Minister strongly advises leaving voluntarily. Those who are deported by the authorities may face an entry ban of up to five years. Leaving voluntarily before the end of 2025 allows individuals to be eligible to apply through the regular DIMAS permit process starting in 2026.

Minister Dowers also urges all persons who entered Aruba before July 1, 2025, through the airport to take advantage of this unique opportunity offered by Hunto Pa Progreso. Appointments can be made online at www.dimasaruba.aw, or individuals may visit the DIMAS office without an appointment from Monday to Friday, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.