WILLEMSTAD — The average level of education in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands remains relatively low, largely because many young people leave the islands to pursue higher education abroad and do not return after graduating. This is according to new figures published by the Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, which reviewed socio-economic developments on the six Caribbean islands since the dismantling of the former Netherlands Antilles in 2010.
The data show that each year hundreds of young people leave Curaçao to study in other countries, most commonly in the Netherlands. However, only around five percent return immediately after completing their studies. According to the CBS, this ongoing outflow of educated youth has a direct impact on the overall educational profile of the population.
The findings highlight a structural challenge for the islands. While access to higher education has improved through international study opportunities, the limited return of graduates reduces the availability of highly educated professionals in key sectors such as healthcare, education, public administration and technology.
As a result, the report notes that governments and employers increasingly rely on attracting migrants from abroad to fill vacancies that cannot be met locally. This trend is influencing the demographic composition of the islands and placing additional pressure on housing, integration policies and public services.
The CBS analysis underscores that the issue is not solely educational, but also economic and social in nature. Without sufficient incentives and career opportunities to encourage graduates to return, the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom risk falling further behind in building a sustainable, highly skilled workforce.
The findings are likely to fuel renewed debate on policies aimed at retaining talent, improving local career prospects and strengthening the long-term development capacity of Curaçao and the other Caribbean islands within the Kingdom.