Netherlands Seeks to Reduce Labor Migration of Foreign Workers to the EU

Netherlands Seeks to Reduce Labor Migration of Foreign Workers to the EU

Key Takeaways

1. The Netherlands seeks to reduce the influx of migrant workers from non-EU/EFTA countries.
2. The Dutch parliament's lower house has raised concerns that labor migrants are misusing their employment opportunities.
3. Several Dutch political parties advocate for addressing the issue with EU institutions.

The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament, has proposed measures to limit the number of migrant workers from non-EU/EFTA countries entering the Netherlands via other EU nations.

This proposal aims to curb the practice where non-EU workers, initially hired by companies in one EU country, are deployed to the Netherlands or other EU states for certain projects. This practice is permissible under current European rules, but some Dutch parties view it as exploiting the Netherlands as a “backdoor” entry point.

Calls for EU Action

Social Affairs Minister Eddy van Hijum has been urged by the SGP, one of the largest Dutch parties, to request the EU to implement stricter regulations. However, Minister van Hijum has indicated that a ban would be a last resort, and his approach is more cautious.

Democrats 66 (D66) has proposed limiting the categories of workers eligible to work in the Netherlands, suggesting that only those earning at least 125% of the minimum wage should qualify.

Concerns Over Labor Migration

Dutch MP Thierry Aasrtsen from the VVD party highlighted issues with labor migrants evading premiums and collective labor agreements by working directly in their preferred destinations and bypassing the initial country of employment.

Aasrtsen believes that stricter regulations, such as requiring migrants to work in the initial country for a minimum period before moving, could address these concerns.

Statistical Overview

According to Statistics Netherlands, in 2022, 46,700 foreign labor migrants from the EU/EFTA entered the Netherlands. Additionally, 31,630 immigrants arrived for family reasons, 18,680 for educational purposes, and 31,855 for unknown reasons.

Foreign, News, Europe, Work, Global News, Society , Schengen News, Immigration,

Disclaimer

The Think Europe Services website is owned and operated by Think Europe Services Sp. z. o. o., a private international company operating independently from the Polish government. Please note that the information on this website is not intended as professional or legal advice. We make every effort to maintain the accuracy of the content, but it's important to be aware that certain terms, like immigration eligibility criteria, may be subject to change without prior notification. ..see more

In reference to our Job Search Service, we specialize in Resume Crafting, LinkedIn Enhancement, and Resume Promotion. It's crucial to emphasize that we do not promote job opportunities on behalf of international employers or serve as agents for any foreign companies. Our Registration number is KRS 0001007806, our tax identification number is NIP 9512557041, and all our services are exclusively offered at our Registered Center.

Please bear in mind that the content provided here is meant solely for informational purposes and should not be regarded as legal or tax guidance. It is recommended that you seek advice from your own legal and/or tax consultant(s). We do not offer legal or tax advice, and the information we present is of a general nature, not customized for any particular company or workforce. Moreover, it does not represent how we operate in a specific jurisdiction. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy or timeliness of this information, and we are not liable for any losses that may occur as a result of using or relying on it.