Law proposal for modernisation of social security in the Caribbean Netherlands
In view of the pursuit of equality and the promotion of social and economic security, it is necessary to modernise the social security system in the Caribbean Netherlands. Today, with this as point of departure, the cabinet sent a law proposal to the House of Representatives. Residents, Central Dialogues and Public Entities have already reacted to the plans.
Various changes in laws and regulations in the Caribbean Netherlands are necessary to modernise the social security system and leave regulation in the Caribbean Netherlands. All amendments that are now being proposed have been bundled in the Wijzigingswet SZW-wetten BES (Amendment Act SZW Acts BES).
The law proposal aims, among other things, for a better combination of work and care. That is why the law proposal provides for an expansion of the leave schemes for employees with, among other things, emergency leave, short-term care leave, and partner leave in case of childbirth. Also, the legally required number of holidays is converted into hours in order that they can be taken more easily for, for instance, the care for children. In addition, pregnant self-employed women receive, just as in the European Netherlands, a benefit during their pregnancy and maternity leave. And the double child benefit for parents of children with an additional care needs, is regulated structurally in the law proposal.
The law proposal also expands the rules for being unfit for work allowing for more attention to reintegration. In this respect, three waiting days were included in the sickness and accident insurance (ZV and OV) and an activation obligation in case of sickness of employees. Both employers and employees are obliged to work on a possible reintegration process.
Finally, the so-called ‘cost-of-living allowance’ for AOV beneficiaries on Saba and St. Eustatius is phased out now that the AOV amounts have been substantially increased and will increase further from the 1st of July, 2024. The name of the wet algemene weduwen- en wezenverzekering BES (General Widowers’, Widows’ and Orphans’ Insurance BES Act) is changed into Algemene nabestaandenwet BES (General Surviving Dependants Act).
If the House of Representatives and then the Senate adopt this law proposal this year then the legislation will be implemented in phases from January 2025. Other measures, e.g. an unemployment provision for the Caribbean Netherlands, are given further substance in the coming period.