Government aims for 75,000 more newcomers in work: what does it mean for employers?
On 30 October 2026 the Dutch government sent its response to the Social and Economic Council (SER) advice 'From arrival to future' to the House of Representatives. The advice concerns labour participation of asylum seekers, refugees with a residence permit and displaced persons from Ukraine.
The government's approach
The government agrees that strong policy interventions are needed and, according to the letter, implements most of the recommendations through its Work and Participation for Newcomers approach. It works with a target of 75,000 additional newcomers in work within four years. Displaced persons from Ukraine fall outside that approach for now.
What matters for employers?
The government acknowledges that employers find the procedures and rules for work permits (TWV) for asylum seekers burdensome and is exploring simplification and possibly an alternative. Starter jobs for refugees with a residence permit will be expanded in 2027, and the SOWIS subsidy scheme for extra guidance of these employees in the workplace runs until the end of 2029. The government is also examining how language education can be organised so that people with a civic integration obligation can work four days a week.
Practical tips
Follow the review of the work permit: there is no concrete proposal yet.
Check whether the SOWIS scheme fits the guidance of newcomers in your organisation.
Take language education alongside work into account in schedules and contracts.
Read more about labour market policy in our knowledge base.
Want to know what this means for your organisation? Get in touch with us.
This blog provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice on a specific situation, please contact us.
