Labor Inspectorate fines Westland firms, Polish agency €432,000 for illegal employment

The Dutch Labor Inspectorate has issued fines totaling 432,000 euros to two companies in the Westland region and a temporary employment agency in Poland. One of the companies, an agricultural business, had illegally employed 32 workers through the agency and another Dutch company.

The Labor Inspectorate reported that the agency and the company had exchanged the workers. These were third-country nationals, meaning employees from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland who are posted to the Netherlands. Specific rules apply to such cases, but these were not followed.

Under a separate law, the employers were required to obtain permits for the third-country nationals to work, which they did not have. The law makes both temp agencies and companies that hire or outsource staff responsible, which is why all three companies were fined.

As of February 1, 2025, fines can amount to up to 11,250 euros per worker in cases of illegal employment, depending on the severity of the violation. The exact amount depends on the severity of the violation and the employer's intent. If the violation is intentional and involves serious misconduct, such as withholding passports, providing substandard housing, or other exploitative practices, the maximum fine of 11,250 euros applies.

The companies also received a preventive work stoppage warning (WPS). This allows the Labor Inspectorate to suspend operations if the same or a similar breach occurs in the future.