Unauthorized Employment of Third-Country Nationals Surges in the Netherlands

Key Insights

1. The Netherlands has seen a sharp rise in foreign workers without proper permits in recent years.  
2. A loophole in the Registration of Non-Residents (RNI) system has contributed to this issue.  
3. Brazilians and Georgians are among the most frequently identified groups in this situation.  

Growing Concerns Over Undocumented Labor

Thousands of foreign workers in the Netherlands are employed without permits, raising concerns about potential exploitation. According to the Dutch Labour Inspectorate, tens of thousands may be affected, with many working in construction, agriculture, horticulture, meat processing, and hospitality. Others take on informal roles such as babysitting and cleaning services.

While Eastern Europeans once dominated this workforce, third-country nationals are now increasingly common. However, their illegal status makes it difficult to monitor their working conditions.  

"We used to see mainly Eastern Europeans, but now third-country nationals are working across various sectors. Since they’re here illegally, verifying their status is challenging."
May Verstappen, Labour Inspectorate

Brazilians and Georgians: Prominent Among Undocumented Workers

The Inspectorate reports that Amsterdam alone has nearly 35,000 undocumented Brazilians, followed by Georgians as another frequently encountered group.  

"In recent years, we’ve seen more Brazilians seeking medical help because they lack health insurance."
Lisa Vliegenthart, Doctors of the World  

Both Brazilians and Georgians can enter the Schengen Area visa-free, along with nationals of 59 other countries.  

How the RNI Loophole Facilitates Undocumented Work

As NL Times reported, some visa-exempt arrivals register at the RNI office, obtaining a citizen service number (BSN) without providing a reason or Dutch address.  

The RNI system is meant for those staying less than four months (e.g., short-term work or study). However, no authority verifies if they leave after this period, enabling misuse.  

"The Ministry has known about this abuse for years, yet nothing has changed."
Dutch Inspectorate

With a BSN, undocumented migrants can open bank accounts, register businesses, and start working—despite lacking legal residency.  

Government Inaction and Risks to Workers

Although the Ministry of Home Affairs acknowledged the issue, it stated in July 2023 that it had no plans to reform the RNI system.  

Undocumented workers face high exploitation risks, including underpayment, withheld wages, and unjust dismissals. Without legal protections, many remain vulnerable to abuse.