Aruba’s Minister of Labor, Glenbert Croes, announced a job fair specifically aimed at residents over 45 years old and retirees. This initiative comes amidst a labor shortage impacting Aruba’s businesses, particularly within the hospitality sector.

The job fair will connect experienced workers with potential employers from various industries. The Departments of Labor and Social Development (DPL) and Department of Labor & Research (DAO) will be present to offer assistance.

This announcement follows Minister Croes’ meetings with business associations regarding the current labor gap. Aruba anticipates welcoming thousands of new tourists with the opening of 3,000 additional hotel rooms this year. To meet the service demands of these establishments, an estimated 9,000 new workers are needed.

While prioritizing job opportunities for Aruban citizens remains a cornerstone of the government’s policy, Minister Croes acknowledges the valuable contributions older adults can make. He highlighted the low unemployment rate of 4.3% achieved in 2022, which serves as a testament to this commitment.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Labor is exploring the possibility of tax incentives for retirees who choose to remain in the workforce. This initiative aims to address the labor shortage while empowering older adults to continue contributing to Aruba’s development and improve their quality of life.

The specific date for the job fair has not yet been announced. Stay tuned for further details on this event that seeks to bridge the gap between Aruba’s labor market needs and the experience of its older population.