The State Secretary for Justice and Security, Eric van der Burg, is on a four-day working visit to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
The State Secretary for Justice and Security, Eric van der Burg, is on a mission in the Caribbean, where he will visit Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire during a four-day working visit from March 13 to 16. This diplomatic undertaking underlines the Netherlands' commitment to solving pressing issues such as migration policy, combating human trafficking and smuggling, and improving border management within the Kingdom.
Van der Burg's trip to these islands is not only a sign of solidarity, but also an attempt to... cooperation between the Dutch government and local authorities. His visit begins in Aruba, where he will participate in discussions aimed at improving cooperation between border authorities. This visit is crucial given Aruba's strategic location close to the Venezuelan coast, making the island particularly sensitive to migration flows and the associated challenges.
The topics of discussion in Aruba also include optimization options within the immigration chain and policy regarding migration and border control. These issues are vital to ensuring fair but effective policies that protect both the security of the islands and the rights of migrants.
Continuing to Curaçao, Van der Burg will focus on strengthening policies against human trafficking and smuggling. Curaçao, with its extensive coastlines, is a critical point in the fight against these cross-border crimes. Discussions with Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) staff will provide insight into local initiatives and challenges, as well as ways in which Dutch expertise can contribute to strengthening regional efforts.
Bonaire, the last station of his journey, offers Van der Burg a perspective on the immigration detention regime and the challenges smaller islands face in managing migration. The conversations here will shed light on the need for both humane and efficient approaches in dealing with migrants.
This trip also marks a personal triumph for Van der Burg, who suffered a setback from food poisoning during a previous visit to Aruba in October 2023, resulting in hospitalization and the cancellation of further planned visits to Curaçao and Bonaire. His return to the region symbolizes not only recovery, but also renewed commitment to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
The direct involvement of the State Secretary highlights the complex issues of migration, human trafficking and border management in the Caribbean. This visit represents an important step towards better cooperation and more effective approaches to ensure safety and well-being within the Kingdom
