Netherlands launches wide push to get refugees working immediately upon arrival
The Dutch government is expanding a pilot program of “start jobs” to more than 80 municipalities so status holders—recognized refugees who have already received official asylum status—can begin working as soon as possible after they settle, Minister Thierry Aartsen of Work and Participation announced Thursday. "We need everyone badly on the labor market," he said.
The move aims to tackle persistently low employment rates among newcomers required to integrate. In the first years after receiving status, 75 percent do not work. Only a quarter of status holders subject to the integration obligation are employed during that period, and a large share depends on welfare benefits. Aartsen noted that 70 percent are still receiving benefits after three years and about 50 percent after five years, even as the country faces labor shortages.
“If you come to the Netherlands, then you go to work and learn the language. This should be the starting point, but the current situation is different. It is truly a missed opportunity if we leave talent unused. We need everyone badly on the labor market. Everyone can do something and has talents. By working as a newcomer, you can build an independent life more quickly, learn the language, and contribute to our society. Aartsen emphasized the importance of providing newcomers with the opportunity to quickly enter the workforce.
Start jobs are positions that are relatively easy to enter, even if someone does not yet master Dutch well, such as in logistics, hospitality, cleaning, construction, and technology.
The pilot, launched in 2023 in several municipalities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven, showed that 44 percent of participating status holders found jobs. Only 10 percent dropped out.
Aartsen, who first proposed start jobs several years ago as a VVD lawmaker, said the current integration system is not geared enough toward employment.
“Integration often comes down to a full-time task. The standard now is a living allowance, benefits, and an integration course,” he said. Additionally, daytime classes make it difficult to combine with work.
Participants in the pilot were reportedly enthusiastic. More than half spoke little or no Dutch when they started. They said working helped them learn the language in practice, not just in class.
They cited motivation, purpose, social contacts, and faster language learning as the main reasons for wanting jobs. Extra income was mentioned less often at first because integration obligations often restricted them to part-time work. Many later expanded their hours.
The evaluation identified several bottlenecks: finding enough suitable employers, limited availability due to integration lessons, the need for additional guidance due to language gaps, cultural differences, family care responsibilities, and shortages of childcare and after-school care. Many jobs, especially in shortage sectors, also require training.
Pilots addressed those issues by giving status holders extra support; short training focused on employee skills and language practice; coaches; and fixed contact persons for both workers and employers.
Aartsen said the approach offers multiple benefits. Working provides a financial advantage over benefits, quicker societal participation, opportunities to meet colleagues, and faster integration.
“70 percent of the status holders are still on benefits after three years. I sincerely do not believe that people are better off if they sit at home all day,” he said.
