Background information

In September 2024, the Advisory Council on Migration (Adviesraad Migratie) published the report "Afgewogen Arbeidsmigratie" to propose a new vision for labour migration in the Netherlands. The report argues that current policies focus predominantly on economic growth, neglecting broader societal and environmental impacts. The Council advocates for a labour migration policy that contributes to 'general well-being' (brede welvaart), encompassing economic, social, and ecological dimensions. The report suggests implementing a well-being assessment for admitting non-EU labour migrants and recommends setting national minimum and maximum thresholds for labour migration. This approach aims to align migration policies with broader societal goals and ensure sustainable development

Content of measure

The advisory report outlines a strategic reorientation of labour migration policy aimed at enhancing its contribution to broader well-being. It recommends the introduction of a well-being test for non-EU labour migrants, assessing the societal and ecological relevance of the work as well as the migrant’s potential for integration. It also proposes setting lower and upper national limits for labour migration to ensure the volume remains in balance with long-term national needs. Furthermore, the Council calls for greater alignment of migration policy with related areas such as housing, education and spatial planning, and stresses the need to improve data collection and evidence-based evaluation. These proposals are presented as part of a coherent policy approach intended to reconcile economic objectives with social cohesion and environmental sustainability.

Use of measure

As this is an advisory report rather than a binding policy, the proposed measures have not yet been implemented. There are currently no figures available on eligible users or projected impact.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Migrants or refugees in employment	Applies to all businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Other social actors (e.g. NGOs)	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

Although no formal social partner involvement is documented in the development phase, the Council highlights that the implementation of a well-being-oriented labour migration policy would necessitate input from a wide range of actors, including social partners, civil society organisations and sectoral representatives. Their involvement would be essential in refining the practical criteria and ensuring coherent application across sectors.

Views and reactions

At the time of publication, the report had not yet elicited formal responses from social partners. However, given the emphasis on sustainable labour migration and balanced inflows, the proposals are expected to generate debate among employers’ organisations, who may prioritise labour market flexibility, and trade unions, who often advocate for fair labour conditions and integration support.

Sources

• 01 September 2024: Advisory Council on Migration (2024), Balanced Labour Migration: Targeted Labour Migration Policy for General Well-bein (www.adviesraadmigratie.nl)