Dutch government outlines plan to help 75,000 refugees find jobs amid labor shortages
The Dutch government is stepping up efforts to increase employment among status holders amid persistent labor shortages, particularly in healthcare and other essential sectors, while acknowledging ongoing barriers related to language, training, and credential recognition.
VVD Minister Aartsen of Work and Participation informed the Tweede Kamer in a letter Friday that the government aims to help 75,000 status holders find jobs in the coming years. He said employers across key sectors are struggling to fill vacancies and are “crying out for extra hands.”
The policy push comes as official figures show that of status holders granted residency in 2021, about 20 percent had work after two years. That share rises to nearly 60 percent after several years but remains below the national average.
Since late 2023, asylum seekers who applied for protection at least six months earlier have been allowed to work year-round. Previously, they were limited to 24 weeks of work per year, a restriction the government said reduced opportunities for workers and employers. A researcher from the Sociaal Cultureel Planbureau told NOS that “by working, newcomers learn the language and culture,” supporting integration outcomes.
The government is reportedly preparing additional measures to address structural barriers. The Netherlands Court of Audit reported earlier this year that status holders often face delays entering the labor market due to lengthy procedures and language requirements. It also noted that paid work is difficult to combine with mandatory language courses and that there is a shortage of language instructors.
To address these issues, the government is also working on expanding workplace-based language training and plans discussions with employers in the coming months. It is also developing a system to better align foreign qualifications and work experience with Dutch labor standards.
An initiative will also reportedly focus on increasing employment among female asylum seekers in 10 municipalities. Currently, only one in five women granted residence in the Netherlands has paid work. The ministry attributes this to limited prior work experience and challenges balancing work with caregiving responsibilities.
