Politics · Netherlands · 1 hr ago
Dutch cabinet plans stricter rules for migrant workers posted from other EU states
The Dutch cabinet plans tighter rules for non-EU workers posted to the Netherlands through another EU country.
At present, a worker from outside the EU can be sent to a Dutch job by a company based in another member state, such as Poland.
The government says this route is increasingly used to get around the Netherlands’ stricter work and residence permit rules.
The number registered rose from 18,000 in 2021 to more than 29,000 in 2025, and the actual total is thought to be higher.
Under the plan, workers must first work for three months in the EU country where they arrived and hold a residence permit valid beyond the Dutch job.
The Labour Inspectorate would check compliance, and the rules are planned to take effect on July 1, 2027.
The cabinet also plans to raise fines for breaches of labour laws by about 22% from July 1, and lawmakers are due to discuss the proposals next week.
The Dutch cabinet plans tighter rules for non-EU workers posted to the Netherlands through another EU country.
Workers would have to work in the country where they entered the EU for three months before taking a job in the Netherlands.
The plans also require their residence permit in that country to remain valid longer than their Dutch assignment.
The rules are due to take effect on 1 July 2027, and the Labour Inspectorate would check compliance.
The cabinet also plans to raise fines for breaches of labour laws by about 22 percent from 1 July.
- Who
- The Dutch cabinet, including Social Affairs Minister Vijlbrief, is proposing the rules. They would apply to non-EU workers posted to the Netherlands through another EU country.
- What
- The cabinet plans to require three months of work in the EU country where workers entered and a residence permit there valid beyond their Dutch assignment.
- When
- The rules are due to take effect on 1 July 2027. The plans are scheduled for discussion next Thursday.
- Where
- The Netherlands, for workers posted there from another EU member state.
- Why
- The cabinet says the route is increasingly used to get around Dutch rules.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
18,000 posted non-EU workers were registered under this arrangement.
More than 29,000 were registered, while the actual number was thought to be much higher.
The proposed rules for posted non-EU workers are due to take effect.
The cabinet's plans are scheduled for discussion in a parliamentary committee debate.
- Registered workers in 2021
- 18,000
- Registered workers in 2025
- More than 29,000
- Required work in EU country
- Three months
- Planned start date
- 1 July 2027
- Planned fine increase
- About 22 percent
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