60 undocumented workers Hired at Zandvoort Grand Prix, Rotterdam agency fined €427,500

During the 2024 Grand Prix in Zandvoort, a staffing agency from Rotterdam employed 60 foreign nationals without permits. The workers, mostly from Colombia, were hired as dishwashers, kitchen assistants, or in other roles in the hospitality and catering sectors, the Dutch Labour Inspectorate reported on Wednesday.

The staffing agency from Rotterdam received a fine of 427,500 euros. The company that employed the workers was also penalized, receiving a 405,000-euro fine for failing to verify whether the employees were legally allowed to work.

This year, another staffing agency was also found in violation of labor rules. A total of 11 youths were working there, including two aged 15, and they were assigned long shifts, including night work, which is prohibited. Additionally, one individual who was not authorized to work in the Netherlands impersonated someone else. Fines for this agency have yet to be announced.

The Dutch Labour Inspectorate (NLA), responsible for enforcing the Aliens Employment Act (Wav), issued the fines. The law prohibits hiring individuals from outside the EU/EEA without proper work and/or residence permits.

As of February 1, 2025, penalties for hiring undocumented migrant workers have risen sharply. In cases deemed serious or intentional, employers may face fines of up to €11,250 for each employee.

Recent reports indicate that thousands of non-EU migrants are employed in the Netherlands without the required permits, mainly in agriculture, food processing, hospitality, and cleaning sectors.