The Temporary Unemployment Benefit regulation BES is a temporary benefit for employees in the Caribbean Netherlands who have become unemployed through no fault of their own.

At the moment there is no unemployment benefit in the Caribbean Netherlands for employees who lose their job. Although some people can rely on social relief, this does not apply to everyone as income and assets are taken into account. As a result, people who lost their job must make end meets financially on their own during a period of unemployment. That is why society and the government have expressed interest in the implementation of a regulation for unemployed employees. The Temporary Unemployment Benefit regulation BES is meant for employees on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba who:

  • work on Bonaire, St. Eustatius or Saba;
  • receive wages from an employer;
  • become unemployed through no fault of their own.

The regulation takes effect on 1 January 2027 and is valid up to and including 31 December 2031 at the latest. Hence, it is possible to submit an application for consideration for the unemployment benefit from 1 January 2027. You can receive a benefit for a maximum of three months.

The implementation of the Temporary Unemployment Benefit regulation BES takes place in association with the RCN unit of the ministery of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW) and Implementation of Policy (Uitvoering Van Beleid) of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.

Role of the RCN unit of the ministery of SZW

The RCN Unit SZW is the first point of contact for residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

You can call on them for:

  • Information and questions;
  • Submission of your application;
  • Support during the process.

Due to the local presence, the services remain accessible and appropriate for the situation on the islands.

Role of Implementation of Policy (Uitvoering Van Beleid)

Implementation of Policy provides for the administrative processing of the regulation.

This includes:

  • the assessment of applications;
  • the decision-making;
  • the effectuation of payments;
  • the verification of correct implementation of the regulation.

Here you can find the official regulations about the Temporary Unemployment Benefit regulation BES.