It’s officially a new week and a new month. Want to know what August 2022 has in store? Here are six things expats living and working in the Netherlands should look out for this month. 

1. Summer ends as some kids return to school

It might feel like the summer holidays have only just begun, but before August is over children attending school in the northern and central regions of the Netherlands (which includes most of the major Dutch cities) will be back in class. The summer holidays come to an end on August 21 in the central region, and a week later, on August 28, in the northern region. So be sure to make the most of the time off while you can! 

2. Two-month paid leave for new parents

New EU legislation comes into effect this month, meaning that, as of August 2, people with jobs in the Netherlands will be eligible for up to nine weeks of paid leave in the first year of their child’s life. New parents will receive 70 percent of their daily wage from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).

The rule also applies to parents with children that were born before the law came into effect, so long as the child is under the age of one on August 2. Parents who adopt or foster children are also eligible for paid parental leave, as long as the child is under eight years of age.

3. Applications close for GVB 1-euro ticket

Last month, the GVB announced that those living and working in Amsterdam would be eligible to apply for a 1-euro 24-hour public transport ticket this summer. While the tickets will be valid for use up until September 30, applications close this month, on August 26.

4. Changes to Dutch (and EU!) employment law

Once again, a change to EU law is set to have consequences for those working in the Netherlands: new legislation designed to improve the working conditions of employees is coming into effect in the Netherlands on August 1. This means that employers must now provide their workers with information about:

• Working hours and breaks 
• Holiday and paid leave
• The workplace and remote working options
• The training policy
• The dismissal procedure 
• The overtime policy (i.e. when a worker can be obliged to work and when they are free to refuse to work) 
• The number of guaranteed paid hours and the salary for work performed on top of these hours

Employers are now also obliged to cover all the costs of any compulsory training courses.

5. Pride Amsterdam takes over the Dutch capital

It’s finally back! After a two-year hiatus as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Pride celebrations we all know and love will officially return to Amsterdam this month. Amsterdam Pride kicked off on July 30, with events taking place throughout the first week of August. Some of the highlights include the various street parties and, of course, the iconic canal parade, which takes place on Saturday, August 6.

6. Moons, planets, and meteor showers a-plenty

Last but not least, August is a big month for any avid stargazers out there: over the course of the next two weeks, be sure to cast your gaze skywards in order to catch a glimpse of the Perseids Meteor Shower (peaking August 12 to 13), a Super Full Moon (August 12), and Saturn (August 14)!