BES unemployment benefit applications open 1 January 2027

Employees on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba who lose their jobs through no fault of their own can apply for temporary unemployment benefit from Friday 1 January 2027, according to the Social Affairs and Employment unit, SZW. The benefit can be claimed for up to three months.

SZW said the Temporary Unemployment Benefit Regulation BES will operate while a permanent unemployment benefit law is drafted. The proposal entered public consultation in the spring, when stakeholders and the public could provide feedback.

SZW is holding information sessions on Saba on Monday 26 October 2026 at the Eugenius Johnson Center, from 10am AST to noon in English and 4pm to 5:30pm in Spanish. A session on St. Eustatius is scheduled for Wednesday 28 October 2026 at the Elma building, from 5pm to 6:30pm in English and 7pm to 8:30pm in Spanish.

SZW said it will hold sessions on Bonaire in November. The sessions will cover possible eligibility and steps to take after becoming unemployed.