|
||||
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
| System of Goverment | Privatization | Investment Incentives | |
| Legislative / Labor Laws | Tariffs and Treaties | ||
| Tax Structure | Economic Free Zones |
|
|
| Legislative / Labor Laws | |
| Elected legislative officials from all the islands
that make up the Netherlands Antilles congregate regularly in Curaçao
to preside over the running of government. Each island within the
Netherlands Antilles runs its internal affairs through an island council
and executive council, comprising elected members of the island council
and a governor, who is appointed by the queen. Regulatory There is very little or no government restrictions on foreign-owned businesses in Curaçao, in fact, foreign investment is highly encouraged. There are compulsory social security schemes covering sickness and old age pensions as follows:  The Government
introduced the national 'AVBZ' health care scheme in 1997; employees
contribute 1.5% of taxable pay with a maximum of NAf 6,000 annually;
employers contribute 0.5% of taxable pay with a maximum of NAf 1,500
annually. Pensions are
financed through employee contributions of 5% of gross wages to a
maximum pay of NAf 40,000; the employer pays 6% to the same maximum.Non-residents are subject to social security taxes. Legal System Curaçao's legal system is based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence and has two levels of government: a central (federal) government and a territorial (state) government. The central government consists of three bodies, a consists of three bodies, namely a Governor General, who represents the Queen of Holland, an executive council (21 members), and an island council. The island council is elected every four years, however their election years do not coincide with the elections of the central government. The state's affairs is covered by the central government and includes areas such as police, Communications, taxes, public health, education, establishment of enterprises, and labor legislation. The island's infrastructure is taken care of by the local government, while defense and foreign affairs fall under the responsibility of the Dutch Government. Labor Laws There are statutory minimum wages in the Netherlands Antilles of NAf 1,000 for industrial workers and NAf 900 for trade and services workers (in each case, relating to a standard 5-day 40 hour week). Work Permits Other than for native Antillean's, or long-term residents (more than 10 years), employees working in the Netherlands Antilles require residence and work permits. Residence permits have to be applied for in person at the Governor's offices; a good deal of personal, medical and financial information and documentation is required. Work permits have to be applied for by employers, after advertising a position in local newspapers and failing to fill it. |
