Bonaire, Saint-Eustatius and Saba

Government and institution measures in response to COVID-19.

Government and institution measures in response to COVID-19.

Employment-related measures

(e.g. state compensation schemes, training…)

Emergency regulation of SZW

Employer:

  • Employers can receive a contribution towards the wage costs of employees that they cannot keep (fully) at work because of the coronavirus.
  • There must be a loss of turnover of at least 20% due to the coronavirus, which means that you cannot keep your staff (fully) at work.
  • When entitled 80% of the employee's wages are paid over the hours he or she does not work for you. You must provide the gross amount. There is a maximum daily wage that applies to this arrangement.
  • The contribution is now established for a maximum period of three months.

Employee:

  • If your employer is unable to keep you (fully) at work in connection with the coronavirus, he or she can put you under the emergency regulation of SZW. This means that the employer receives a contribution towards the wage costs for the hours that you cannot work. This regulation is intended to prevent employees from being dismissed.
  • If entitled, eighty % of your salary is paid to your employer over the hours you cannot work (a maximum daily wage applies). The employer must pay this amount to you.

Independent entrepreneur:

As a self-employed person, you can apply for temporary support if you have less income because of the coronavirus and meet the following conditions:

  • You normally spend at least 24 hours a week on your business.
  • You alone or together with others have full control of the company and bear the financial risks of the company.
  • Both your company and yourself are established in the Caribbean Netherlands.
  • Your company was registered with a Chamber of Commerce in the Caribbean Netherlands before March 13th, 2020.
  • Your total income is less than $ 761 per month for Bonaire, $ 919 per month for St. Eustatius or $ 907 per month for Saba.

Compensation EZK:

  • Entrepreneurs in the Caribbean Netherlands who are affected by the measures taken in connection with the coronavirus and who have to deal with high fixed expenses, can be eligible for an compensation from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (Economische Zaken en Klimaat, EZK). The compensation is a one-time payment of $4400.
  • This regulation is for entrepreneurs who are active on Bonaire, Saba or St. Eustatius and who suffer a loss of turnover of at least $ 4400 for the period March 13th, 2020 through June 12th, 2020, while having at least $ 4400 in fixed expenses during the same period. Fixed expenses include, for example, costs for commercial premises, business insurance and financing. Taxes, employer contributions and labor costs are not included in this. (For wage costs, an appeal can be made to the SZW emergency regulation).

Other measures and sources