Aruba Justice Minister announces residency deadlines and new policy for minors

Aruba's Minister of Justice, Arthur Dowers, has announced that the transition period for 'Trayecto 4' of the 'Hunto pa Progreso' program will conclude on October 31, 2026. This deadline specifically affects a group of 120 individuals who received one-year temporary permits in October 2025 but have not yet regularized their status through standard admission processes. These individuals must secure employment or a guarantor to transition to regular residency before the deadline, as the temporary permits are not renewable. Those who fail to comply will have 30 days from the permit expiration date to settle personal affairs and organize their departure from Aruba.

Additionally, Minister Dowers introduced a temporary policy to legalize the residency of minors already present in Aruba. This policy applies to minors who entered the country before October 21, 2026, and have at least one parent living legally in Aruba. The initiative is intended to address a vulnerable group that was not covered by previous 'Hunto pa Progreso' measures, which focused on undocumented migrants filling labor demands. This specific policy for minors will end on December 31, 2026, and requires individual evaluations by DIMAS based on specific documentation, such as apostilled birth certificates and valid passports.