Working with newcomers

Many newcomers are eager to start work, and many employers are looking for motivated and talented people. Yet, finding employment is often challenging for newcomers.

There are many reasons for this. Language skills and the recognition of qualifications, for example, can make it more difficult to find a job. Newcomers also often lack a professional network, making it harder for employers and candidates to find one another.

Employers, too, are sometimes challenged to look beyond a CV and recognise talent in different ways. Bias and misconceptions still exist. There are also practical barriers, such as the schedules of mandatory integration courses for people with refugee status or the location of asylum reception centres for asylum seekers.

Until a few years ago, legislation and regulations made it difficult for newcomers to enter the labour market. That has changed. The Dutch government now recognises the importance of enabling people to contribute to both the economy and society. Minister Van Weel has announced an ambition to help an additional 75,000 newcomers into work over the next four years.

RefugeeWork connects people with job opportunities. We believe that the value of work goes far beyond earning an income. Work provides purpose, helps people learn the language, enables participation in society, creates connections with colleagues, brings structure to daily life, and allows parents to tell their children what they accomplished at the end of the day. Employers also benefit from fresh perspectives and the diversity newcomers bring to their teams.

Through RefugeeWork, employers and job seekers can easily connect with one another directly. If, as an employer, you would like additional support from a social or community organisation, for example with job coaching, workplace inclusion or intercultural communication; RefugeeWork can help point you in the right direction.

Would you like to know more about the support available? Mail us at info@refugeework.nl.

Newcomers are not a single, homogeneous group. They come from different countries, bring a wide range of talents, and the term newcomers covers several groups of people who are new to the Netherlands.

At RefugeeWork, we focus on candidates with a refugee background. This includes asylum seekers (people whose asylum applications are still being processed), recognised refugees with a residence permit, and displaced people from Ukraine. Different laws and regulations apply to each of these groups.

Our colleagues at Refugee Talent Hub have created an overview of the relevant rules and regulations specifically for employers.