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STAT launched the 2026 Labour Force Survey, the first full survey since 2018
The Department of Statistics launched the 2026 Labour Force Survey in July 2026, Sint Maarten's first full survey since 2018, with fieldwork from July to September.
By SXM Daily ยท
Reported 2 July 2026
The Department of Statistics (STAT) launched the 2026 Labour Force Survey, the first full survey since 2018, according to a government release of July 2, 2026. Fieldwork ran from July to September 2026. Amigoe also reported the launch.
Why it mattered
According to STAT, the last survey, in 2018, put unemployment at 9.9%. The 2020 round was cancelled because of COVID-19, and the 2022 Census gave a rate of 6.5%. The 2023 and 2025 rounds were not run because of staffing and budget constraints. The survey is meant to run every two years.
What changed
The 2026 survey uses the International Labour Organization's definition of employment, under which one hour of work in the reference week counts, replacing the earlier four-hour threshold. STAT said that means the results are not directly comparable with earlier surveys. The survey also added questions on household spending, to update the weights of the Consumer Price Index, and on readiness for artificial intelligence.
STAT said interviewers carried official ID and that answers were confidential.
Afterwards
STAT launched a new website and interactive dashboard on October 22, 2026.
Sources
- https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/press-release.aspx?slug=sint-maarten-launches-the-2026-labour-force-survey-to-produce-an-up-to-date-unemployment-rate
- https://amigoearuba.com/sint-maarten-start-arbeidskrachtenenquete-2026-voor-werkloosheidscijfer/