Dutch Municipality Removes Work Restrictions for Asylum Seekers in Employment Pilot
Oegstgeest, 23 April 2026
Oegstgeest has eliminated the 24-week annual work limit for asylum seekers, launching a pioneering employment programme that could reshape integration policy across the Netherlands. The €60,000 pilot removes barriers that previously deterred employers from hiring asylum seekers.
New Eligibility Framework Streamlines Access to Employment
The programme addresses a critical barrier that previously made asylum seekers less attractive to employers. Under the old system, asylum seekers could only work a maximum of 24 weeks per year, which discouraged businesses from investing in training and integration [1]. This restriction has now been abolished, though asylum seekers must still reside in the Netherlands for at least six months before becoming eligible for employment [1]. The six-month residency requirement ensures individuals have had sufficient time to begin their integration process whilst maintaining the fundamental right to seek work.
Comprehensive Support Structure Guides Job Placement Process
Asylum seekers interested in employment can register directly with the COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers), which conducts initial assessments of motivation and skills [1]. Successful candidates receive comprehensive information about workplace rights, obligations, and Dutch employment procedures before progressing to the next stage [1]. The programme then connects participants with DZB, an integration company that assigns dedicated workplace advisors to facilitate job matching with available positions [1]. This one-to-one guidance model ensures sustained support throughout both the job search and employment retention phases [1].
Proven Success in Neighbouring Municipalities Demonstrates Viability
The Oegstgeest initiative follows Leiden’s earlier pilot programme, suggesting growing municipal confidence in asylum seeker employment integration [1]. In the Zaanstreek-Waterland region, similar programmes have achieved notable success, with companies like Laco B.V. hiring asylum seekers for skilled positions [2]. Henk Lafeber, owner of Laco B.V., agreed to participate within one day of being approached and has since hired five candidates, with one additional candidate completing a trial period as of 20 April 2026 [2]. The programme’s effectiveness is exemplified by Samer Tamim, a Lebanese refugee with over 36 years of international experience, who now works as a Business Developer at Laco [2].
Financial Investment Reflects Long-term Integration Strategy
Oegstgeest has committed nearly €60,000 to fund the fourteen-month pilot programme, demonstrating significant municipal investment in asylum seeker integration [1]. This financial commitment covers the comprehensive support structure, including skills assessment, workplace preparation, and ongoing guidance services [1]. For employers seeking to participate in similar programmes, contact is available through Anton Janssen at the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) via anton.janssen@uwv.nl [2]. The programme represents a shift towards viewing asylum seekers as potential economic contributors rather than solely as welfare recipients, with municipalities recognising the long-term benefits of successful integration.