The Prime Minister meets the new president of the UNHCR

UNHCR is an agency of the United Nations that deals with human rights.

The government has accredited representatives of UNHCR in Aruba, and since 2018, Aruba has had two accredited and recognized representatives. Additionally, Mrs. Gina Lopez-Gnecco has been appointed as the chain manager for Venezuela on behalf of the government, responsible for dealing with these agencies and all institutions working in the field of refugees. It has opened up a more direct line of communication, and so far, it has been working very well.

With UNHCR, topics of cooperation and how to work together best are always discussed, given the reality that Aruba has a large number of undocumented persons. Most of these individuals are from Venezuela. They also come from Colombia and other nations, and it is imperative to consider their well-being.

Aruba has several active organizations, and UNHCR is one of them, with the government helping where possible. Minister of Labor, Energy, and Integration, Mr. Glenbert Croes, announced that an "Alternative Legal Pathway" will be implemented, allowing an undocumented person to obtain a permit in Aruba. Minister Croes noted that if a person has legally entered Aruba and has the possibility of an employer willing to sign for them, and if that person has no criminal record, they may be eligible for a permit. This is the "Alternative Legal Pathway," and UNHCR is pleased with this alternative approach.

However, UNHCR still sees challenges, and it remains crucial to continue discussing them. UNHCR conducts various investigations and assists people in need, which is greatly appreciated.