KRALENDIJK – In addition to the previously announced increases in minimum wage, AOV pension, and child allowance, residents of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba will face new social measures starting January 1, 2026. These include new employee rights, more affordable childcare, and a structural energy allowance for minimum-income households.
Employees on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba will be entitled to emergency leave and short-term care leave starting January 1. This gives workers the opportunity to take temporary time off for unexpected personal circumstances, such as a family member’s illness or a family emergency, without immediately losing income.
The measure brings labor rights on the BES islands more in line with those in European Netherlands.
Childcare becomes more affordable
Significant changes are also coming to childcare. With the introduction of the BES Childcare Act, the cabinet aims to make childcare more affordable while contributing to the development of young children. According to the ministry, the law should make it easier for parents to combine work and care, which should strengthen labor participation on the islands.
How quickly parents will notice the effects in their wallets depends on further implementation and rollout by local childcare organizations.
Energy allowance of $1,300
Minimum-income households on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba will also be entitled to an energy allowance of $1,300 per year. The allowance is intended to compensate for the high energy costs on the islands and applies structurally.
Broader social package
The new measures come on top of the previously announced indexations of the statutory minimum wage, AOV benefits, and child allowance. This way, the cabinet is not only focusing on improving purchasing power, but also on strengthening social security and employee rights in Caribbean Netherlands.
