Asylum and Migration
332 Asylum Seekers Find Paid Work in Amsterdam Trial, 'Goal Achieved'
An evaluation of an Amsterdam trial launched in 2025 reveals that 332 out of 1,017 participating asylum seekers secured paid employment, while another 312 took concrete steps toward work. The initiative, conducted with the COA and UWV, placed participants primarily in hospitality, logistics, and construction sectors. Employers described the workers as motivated and reliable, often more so than regular job seekers. Alderman Sofyan Mbarki emphasized that allowing asylum seekers to work during their procedure aids integration and addresses labor shortages. He referenced a recent Sociaal-Economische Raad (SER) advisory recommending earlier focus on employment for newcomers. Mbarki also supported the national cabinet's goal of helping 75,000 status holders find work within four years, noting that municipalities require funding from the state to implement such programs effectively. The trial continues until year-end, after which the method will remain permanent with an annual budget of 1.5 million euros.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's