In 2021, the Minister of Labor and Integration in Aruba made a significant decision: to allow undocumented individuals who entered the island legally to be eligible for work permits. This policy change opened doors for a vulnerable population, but how could employers find suitable candidates among this group?
The Skills Database: A Bridge to Opportunities
To address this challenge, the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA) collaborated with HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) to create a “skills database.” This innovative tool aims to match candidates—particularly forcibly displaced individuals—with open positions. But what exactly is HIAS, and how does this program work?
HIAS: Empowering Participants and Lowering Vulnerability
The HIAS wage employment program focuses on empowering refugees and immigrants by providing access to stable wage employment. Here’s how it works:
Skills Development: HIAS has facilitated skills development for over 300 participants. Courses in English, Papiamento, cleaning, cooking, and waiter training equip individuals with practical skills.
User-Friendly CV App: More than 660 participants have created their own curriculum vitae (CV) using a user-friendly app. This bridges a common barrier—many forcibly displaced individuals lack a professional CV. With this tool, they can showcase their unique skills and experiences effectively.
Employer Benefits: Employers who hire forcibly displaced individuals gain motivated team members with diverse skills and resilience. By tapping into this talent pool, companies foster innovation and positive contributions to company culture.
Transforming Employment: The CV App and Job Matching
The heart of HIAS’ program lies in the CV App and effective job matching:
CV App Insights: Based on data from the CV App, participants possess skills and experience that meet Aruba’s labor market demands. The database enables precise matching of candidates with open positions, transforming the employment landscape for forcibly displaced individuals.
Formal Employment Opportunities: HIAS ensures that participants work with proper work permits. Employers are expected to adhere strictly to migration and labor policies enacted by the Government of Aruba.
A Holistic Approach to Integration
HIAS supports the entire employment journey:
Pre-Selection: Accurate information and assistance with documentation are provided. Tailored orientation sessions cover cultural competencies, legal considerations, and the benefits of integrating displaced individuals.
Selection Process: Continuous guidance and mediation address concerns and facilitate communication between employers and participants.
Post-Selection Support: Ongoing integration assistance helps participants adapt to their new roles, while employers receive strategies for fostering a supportive and productive environment.
By adopting this holistic approach, HIAS creates an environment that benefits both employers and participants, leading to successful employment outcomes and long-term inclusion. AFBA, in partnership with HIAS, is also exploring ways to further create successful employment for the F&B sector of Aruba through different collaborative projects and events. One such event was the highly successful Job Fair 2024, held this year for the whole of Aruba. It can also be noted that job seekers that came via HIAS to the Job Fair can now participate within this program while reactivating their permit process.
Get Involved
If you’re an employer interested in participating in this program, reach out to us at Jennifer.kelly@hias.org.
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