Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Eddy van Hijum has threatened to ban the use of labour migrants in sectors that exploit them, such as the meat industry. This would be the last resort if companies that employ large numbers of temporary workers from other countries do not show signs of progression.

Exploitation of migrant workers in the Netherlands 

In certain sectors in the Netherlands, migrant workers often face cases of unfair dismissal, leaving them homeless and without their outstanding wages.“We have to make progress now. The problems have continued for too long,” Van Hijum said in a briefing to MPs. “Employers have to get their sectors organised properly. Companies should treat their workforce decently and not pass the problems on to wider society. Everyone has the right to a proper standard of living, including labour migrants.”

Based on reports from the labour inspectorate on abuse in sectors, like that of the meat industry, Van Hijum is drafting up legislation that would allow the government to close down employment agencies and companies that break the rules and treat foreign workers unfairly. Other than banning companies from employing labour migrants, an alternative being considered is limiting the number of temporary workers that a sector is allowed to have.

“A ban would be a far-reaching step, a last resort,” Van Hijum said. “That is why we are looking at the situation carefully.” The minister from the NSC party hopes to have all the options laid out by early next year.

Coalition party wants fewer migrant workers in the Netherlands

In August, VVD member Thierry Artsen called for a reduction in the number of labour migrants in the Netherlands, arguing that migrants put pressure on the country causing “creaking and groaning problems in healthcare, education and the housing shortage.” This comes after a report by a UN official which said that the government’s housing policy was to blame for the shortage of housing, not migration.

According to Aartsen, the VVD doesn’t want to completely limit the number of people who move to the Netherlands for work, as he acknowledged that “we really need workers from other countries”, but went on to say that “there must be fewer than there are now.”

To achieve this, the party wants to enforce stricter rules for companies in housing migrant workers, create a national register for migrants and return homeless EU workers back to their home countries. Aartsen also suggests that companies invest in automation and robots instead of hiring migrants for cheap labour. 

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