As of January 1, 2026, the leave regulations for businesses in the Caribbean Netherlands will be expanded to include emergency leave and short-term care leave. This means that employees will gain new rights and employers will face new obligations and practical changes.
Emergency Leave
Emergency leave can be requested when you need to take time off to resolve an urgent unexpected personal issue. The duration of the leave depends on the situation. The right to salary continues during this leave.
Short-term Care Leave
Short-term care leave can be utilized if someone in your vicinity is sick and needs care, and you, given the circumstances, are the only one who can provide this care. During short-term care leave, the employer is not obliged to continue paying your salary.
Free Information Sessions
To adequately prepare employees, employers, and administrative offices for the upcoming changes, RCN-Unit SZW is organizing free information sessions in October. During these sessions, the following will be explained:
- Which new types of leave will come into effect on January 1, 2026;
- What this means for employees, employers, and HR processes.
The sessions will take place in Bonaire from October 27 to 30:
Location: Divi Flamingo
Employers
| October 27 | 14:00-15:00 | Papiamentu |
| 15:15-16:15 | Spanish | |
| October 29 | 14:00-15:00 | Dutch |
| 15:15-16:15 | English |
Employees
| October 28 | 17:00-18:00 | Papiamentu |
| 18:15-19:15 | Spanish | |
| October 30 | 17:00-18:00 | Dutch |
| 18:15-19:15 | English |
Sign Up?
To register for one of the information sessions, you can send an email to LD.szw@RijksdienstCN.com or a WhatsApp message to +599 795 4537.
Please mention your organization, the desired date, and the language of the session when registering.
