Asylum seekers in Netherlands increasingly finding year-round jobs

Asylum seekers are finding jobs in the Netherlands more frequently, helping them integrate while addressing labor shortages, according to government and labor agency data. In the first half of 2023, just over 700 work permits were issued; in the same period this year, around 9,500 were granted.

According to NOS, a pilot program by the UWV, COA, and the Association of Dutch Municipalities has helped connect asylum seekers from reception centers with employers. This aims to reduce the impact of uncertainty about asylum procedures and potential relocations.

Since a late-2023 Council of State ruling, asylum seekers can now work year-round with a so-called work permit, instead of only six months per year.

Many asylum seekers find jobs in Amsterdam and surrounding areas in hospitality, cleaning, agriculture, or distribution centers. Adeel Haider, an asylum seeker from Pakistan, told NOS: “From my colleagues I learn coating skills and the Dutch language.” Fellow worker Mohamad Mowakket added that working provides structure and relief from worry for family still in Syria.

Jaco Dagevos, a researcher at the Social and Cultural Planning Office, noted the broader benefits. “Working the whole year makes asylum seekers more attractive to employers. It also helps them learn the Dutch language and culture, supporting integration once they become status holders,” Dagevos told NOS.