SER urges early labour focus for newcomers to boost Dutch employment

In a new advisory, the Sociaal-Economische Raad (SER) tells the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment that municipalities must be given clear legal duties and stable financing to steer newcomers into suitable jobs soon after they arrive. The council points to the fragmented asylum-housing system, frequent relocations, and daytime language classes as obstacles to immediate employment. It proposes a "talent scan" to map ambitions and skills of asylum seekers, status holders and Ukrainian refugees, and suggests integrating language and civic integration around work or study pathways.

While recent legislation permits asylum seekers to work after three months, the SER stresses that municipalities need capacity and certainty about housing to fulfil the role. The advice also urges employer and employee organisations to negotiate concrete placements in sectors facing labour gaps, notably technology and health care.