SER aims to improve the position of labor migrants

The Netherlands wants to move towards a future-proof economy with high-quality jobs. The Social and Economic Council (SER) believes that reliance on international labor can be reduced, while conditions for those already working here must be improved.

Less dependence, better protection

The Dutch economy partly depends on labor migrants. They are essential in the food industry too, from production to packaging. Yet the SER warns that there are limits to what society can sustain. Labour abuses and unfair pay must be addressed more swiftly, and more capacity is needed for enforcement and supervision.

That’s not all. The council calls on companies to invest more in labor-saving technology and make better use of the existing workforce in the Netherlands. Labor migration should also be managed more carefully to ensure major societal goals, such as housing and energy, remain achievable.

Good work and good employers

According to the SER, the sustainable use of labor migration can only succeed if more is invested in job quality and fair working conditions. The legal position of low-paid labor migrants must be strengthened, and good employers should be rewarded. This will help prevent abuses and allow the Netherlands to make better use of the people already available.

“A focused and future-proof approach to labor migration can be achieved by investing in the quality of work,” the council stated.

Towards balanced growth

With its advisory report Labor migration of value, the SER focuses on three goals: improving the position of labor migrants, directing labor migration that supports societal challenges, and maintaining public support.
If successful, the number of international workers in the Netherlands could decrease. This would bring broad prosperity a step closer, where growth and earning power remain in balance.

Ser.nl