Broadcasters unveil English, Arabic VOD platform for expats, asylum seekers

Dutch public broadcasters launched a website this week where asylum seekers, immigrants and expatriates can watch Dutch programs subtitled in English and Arabic. The video-on-demand service - called Net in Nederland or New to the Netherlands in English - is intended to help newcomers get used to Dutch society, according to NOS.

New to the Netherlands' selection consists of existing programs that teach more about Dutch culture and the Netherlands as a whole. Available programs include children's educational program Het Klokhuis, a show about Dutch subcultures De Hokjesman as well as NOS news at 18:00.

The site also gives access to other generally useful information people new to a country need, such as links to health services and libraries and for asylum seekers links to the Red Cross and asylum organization Vluchtelingenwerk.

The service was launched at the initiative of broadcasters AVROTROS, BNN-VARA-, KRO-NCRV, VPRO, EO, MAX and HUMAN and is supported by NPO and NTR. It is funded by the broadcasters themselves.