Ministry of Justice Policy Exceeds Expectations

They introduced the program Hunto pa Progreso, which specifically targets individuals without legal residency who are living on the island but who entered legally through the airport. According to estimates by the Ministry of Justice, approximately five thousand people were expected to be registered under Hunto pa Progreso.

On January 12, Minister Dowers provided the press with an update, sharing additional information and presenting the preliminary results of the work permit registration process. During the first phase of Hunto pa Progreso, which focused on undocumented individuals who are already employed, DIMAS registered nearly 6,100 applications.

For the fourth phase, which was announced in early October, 1,409 individuals without legal status and without an employer registered for a temporary work permit valid for a maximum of one year. One of the requirements for this fourth phase was that applicants provide details about their skills and qualifications, allowing a database to be created. This database makes it possible to match employers with candidates who best fit the desired profile.

There are still several applicants who, after receiving their payment notice in 2025, have not yet completed the payment for various reasons. This may result in the cancellation of the work permit application and the loss of the unique opportunity offered by the government through Hunto pa Progreso.

Minister Dowers also indicated that the period during which undocumented individuals may voluntarily leave Aruba without receiving an entry ban has been extended. This grace period is valid until January 31, 2026. The Minister of Justice emphasized that after this period, enforcement and controls against illegal residency will be intensified.