Labour market and law

Labour policy

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment fosters employment and ensures that the labour market functions optimally. In doing so, the Ministry also focuses on disadvantaged people, such as the long-term unemployed, the occupationally disabled and ethnic minorities.
Further information (website):

• Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment

Social security

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment helps citizens whom are in receipt of income support to regain their ability to independently support themselves, as quickly as possible. The Ministry guarantees an income for pensioners and for people who are incapable of working for a living.
Further information (website):

• Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment

Labour migration

Working in the Netherlands is permitted for persons bearing Dutch nationality, or the nationality of one of the countries within the European Economic Area, which comprises European Union Member States, with the exception of Romania, Bulgaria, Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein. The rules and regulations governing employment of foreign nationals in the Netherlands (e.g. ‘third world nationals’) are stipulated in the Aliens Employment Act (‘Wet Arbeid Vreemdelingen - WAV’).
Further information (websites):

• Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
• IND (Immigration Service)