Call for relaxed entry rules for qualified non-European workers

In March 2007, the Social and Economic Council (SER) called for a relaxation of the restrictions on the migration of so-called ‘knowledge workers’ from countries outside the EU. Apart from simplifying the policy and streamlining its implementation, the SER suggests introducing supply-driven migration. The council believes that the Netherlands’ restrictive policy is damaging the competitiveness of the national economy, and argues that all parties will benefit from more skilled labour.

In its recommendation on labour migration policy (181Kb PDF) issued in March 2007, the Social and Economic Council (Sociaal-Economische Raad, SER) called for the relaxation of the entry restrictions on highly qualified workers from countries outside the European Union. The council is urging a positive stance, because a less restrictive policy will facilitate the development of a knowledge-based society and is necessary in order to maintain the country’s competitive edge in today’s international market. A policy switch from ‘No, unless …’ to ‘Yes, provided …’ must be reflected in the entry procedures for migrant workers. The SER argues that these procedures must become faster and less bureaucratic.

Highly qualified migrant workers welcome

At the request of the previous government, the labour migration recommendation relates specifically to the position of highly qualified migrant workers. While a more encouraging policy should be put in place for these workers, the SER asserts that a stricter entry policy should be maintained for migrant workers with fewer qualifications. This means that poorly qualified migrant workers from beyond the EU borders should only be given a work permit if suitably qualified candidates for the position in question cannot be found within the EU. This is known as demand-driven policy. For highly qualified migrant workers, the council wants to pursue a supply-driven policy. In this case, migrant workers would also be allowed entry without an employment contract to work for a company established in the Netherlands, provided that they satisfy a number of demands and can support themselves financially.

Flexible entry model

The SER recommends that the new government cabinet should allow the entry of knowledge workers on the basis of a points system. Under this system, migrant workers could earn points based on their educational background, income, previous work experience, age, language skills and experience in the Netherlands. On gaining a sufficient number of points, the migrant worker would be granted access to the Netherlands for a certain period of time. The council believes that it would be advisable for trade unions and employers to be involved in the further development of the points system and that the arrangement should be re-evaluated at a later stage. Since the SER is concerned about potential misuse of the system, a subsequent check would be carried out.

Moreover, in order to avoid instances of malpractice, the council considers that it would be desirable if more issues were collectively regulated at EU level and believes that the existing national regulations should be harmonised. The SER believes that it would be worthwhile to introduce a ‘green card’, which would be valid in all EU countries.

On this basis, the council would like to work towards establishing a flexible entry system. This would entail legislating the purpose of residence, rather than the period of residence. Based on contracts, the SER hopes to involve companies within the scope of the new entry model. The council believes that simplifying and streamlining implementation are important preconditions for achieving policy improvement. Furthermore, the SER believes that it is highly important that a single ‘port of call’ is set up for migrant workers, making documents and information regarding entry to the country available to both employers and employees.

Finally, the SER aims to promote a ‘brain gain’ scenario for developing countries, in that knowledge workers will be encouraged to return to their countries of origin; therefore, the council is in favour of promoting ‘circular migration’. The council also points out that labour migration will not solve matters related to the ageing workforce in the broadest sense; it cannot serve as anything more than a supplement to national labour market policy.

Marianne Grünell, Hugo Sinzheimer Institute (HSI)