The Netherlands is witnessing a growing reliance on foreign labour, as the Dutch State Jobs Agency (UWV) has issued over 20,000 work permits to non-EU workers and work-experience students in 2024. This marks a significant 12 percent increase from the previous year, highlighting the country’s urgent need for foreign talent to fill critical gaps in the workforce. The surge in work permits reflects the ongoing demand for skilled and unskilled labour, a trend that is expected to persist as businesses struggle to find local workers to meet their operational needs.
The latest figures from UWV reveal a striking increase in the number of refugees securing work permits. Reports indicate that 9,281 permits were granted to asylum seekers without a residency permit, representing a fourfold increase compared to 2023. This shift comes as Dutch authorities continue to refine labour policies to accommodate the growing number of foreign workers needed to sustain various sectors of the economy.
Despite this increase, these figures do not include permits issued for highly skilled migrants, which are processed separately by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The IND requires highly skilled migrants to work for a minimum of three months before being eligible for residency. However, the rising demand for labour suggests that the Netherlands may need to adjust policies further to attract and retain more foreign professionals.
The country’s labour market remains tight, with no signs of easing in the foreseeable future. A leading labour market specialist, Leonie Treur, noted that the demand for foreign workers remains high and is unlikely to change in the coming years. Employers across various industries continue to express concerns over staffing shortages, reinforcing the importance of attracting non-EU workers to sustain economic growth.
Until recently, asylum seekers without a residency permit were restricted to working a maximum of 24 weeks per year. However, a new ruling from the Council of State has expanded their work rights, allowing them to work throughout the year, provided they have a BSN number and their employer secures a work permit. This change has enabled more refugees to enter the workforce, with most of them employed in hospitality, cleaning, and other labour-intensive sectors.
The steady rise in foreign work permits has been accompanied by a decline in highly skilled migrant visa applications. According to data from the IND, applications for highly skilled migrant visas have been decreasing over the past few years, dropping from 33,000 in 2022 to 26,000 in 2023 and further down to 21,700 in 2024. This decline coincides with the Dutch government’s recent efforts to limit the number of foreigners coming to the Netherlands for work and study, a move that has sparked concerns among businesses facing labour shortages.
The country’s expat centres, which assist foreign workers with their paperwork, have also reported a decline in new arrivals. Some centres have recorded a decrease of up to 30 percent in the number of people seeking assistance with work permits and residency documentation. This downturn suggests a broader shift in migration trends as the Netherlands tightens its immigration policies while still grappling with a high demand for foreign labour.
As industries struggle to fill vacancies, the Dutch government faces a balancing act between restricting immigration and addressing critical workforce shortages. Employers in construction, healthcare, logistics, and technology continue to advocate for policies that make it easier to bring in skilled foreign workers. The government’s current approach may need further adjustments to ensure the Netherlands remains competitive in attracting international talent while managing population growth and economic stability.
The growing reliance on foreign workers, particularly refugees and professionals from outside the EU, underscores the Netherlands’ shifting labour landscape. With no immediate solution in sight, businesses and policymakers must navigate the complexities of a workforce increasingly dependent on international talent to sustain key sectors and drive economic progress.
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