Amsterdam wants simpler rules to get asylum seekers working

Amsterdam is introducing a permanent scheme to assist asylum seekers in securing paid employment, following a successful 18-month pilot involving over 1,000 refugees. The city council is urging the national government to simplify the hiring process for employers, by eliminating the need for a work permit. Sofyan Mbarki, the city's work and income chief, emphasized the importance of work for asylum seekers, stating that it boosts self-esteem, provides income, and aids integration.

Participants were sourced from three locations: the Willinklaan refugee center, emergency shelters at the A&O Hostel in Zuidoost, and the MS Galaxy cruise ship used for temporary asylum seeker housing. The pilot's success aligns with recommendations from the socio-economic council, which suggested councils should legally aid newcomers in finding jobs that match their skills.

Additionally, Minister Thierry Aartsen's plans to help 75,000 more individuals find employment were welcomed, though councils would require funding from The Hague to implement these initiatives. The pilot, set to conclude this year, will extend for an additional four years as per the city's coalition agreement. An evaluation by urban research institute Platform31 revealed that employment provided participants with enhanced financial stability and improved language skills.

Employers praised the refugees for their motivation and eagerness to learn. The city suggests replacing the work permit with a straightforward requirement to notify the UWV, the existing system utilized for Ukrainian displaced individuals in the Netherlands.