Talented newcomers
Through the tightness in the labor market are there more vacancies than unemployed. To fill the open vacancies employers can step off the beaten path and look for talented newcomers. Many status holders have a good education and are motivated to make a contribution to society. But how do you find talented newcomers for your organization?
Due to the economic and social effects of globalization, the number of asylum seekers in Europe has risen sharply. Crises, too, such as the war in Ukraine, prompt people to seek safety outside their familiar surroundings. The CBS reports that in het eerste kwartaal van 2022 nearly 6.5 thousand people submitted a first asylum application in the Netherlands. After reception and housing, finding work is an important step for residence permit holders to participate in Dutch society.
What is a status holder?
A status holder is a person whose asylum application has been approved by the IND. He or she is recognized as a refugee and receives a temporary residence permit for a period of three to five years. Like other jobseekers with a distance to the labour market, status holders in the Netherlands fall under the Participation Act A status holder has the same rights and obligations as a Dutch person in the labor market. Work can be in paid employment, as a self-employed entrepreneur, at a work experience placement, an internship, or volunteer work.
On the labor market, status holders form a vulnerable group. Although status holders are often extremely motivated to work, shows research The Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP) indicates that the connection to the labor market is not well organized. The majority of the status holders who have come to the Netherlands since 2014 have a temporary contract. Of those, 32 percent work in the temporary employment sector, 25 percent in hospitality and 17 percent in trade. The remaining status holders remain dependent on social assistance for a long time.
Why would you employ status holders?
Employers who are willing to give status holders a chance to work see the following advantages:
A match with talented and motivated employees;
More diversity in the workplace;
Strengthening image as a social enterprise.
In addition to the satisfaction of practicing corporate social responsibility, you may also be able to take advantage of subsidies and tax benefits.
Youth low-income benefit ( youth-LIV )
Employers are compensated for the increase in the statutory minimum youth wage when the status holder is 18 to 21 years old. But the average hourly wage must be equal to the minimum youth wage for the age.
Low-income benefit (
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Employers who have an employee – and status holder- employed with a wage between 100 and 125 percent of the statutory minimum wage. Note: you receive the benefit only if the employee works at least 1.248 hours per year, receives at least the statutory minimum wage and is not eligible for a pension.
Municipal regulations
The majority of status holders receive a social assistance benefit. Municipalities use various types of premiums, subsidies and reimbursements to make it attractive for employers to hire someone from social assistance.
How can you hire a status holder?
Although newcomers can respond to your open vacancy, you can also search yourself for status holder(s) who fit your company. There are various organizations that can help you get in touch with newcomers. Think of organizations such as the COA , but also the employer service point ( WhatsApp ). Social enterprises such as Newbees connects newcomers with local entrepreneurs, and Refugee Company organizes various work-study programs. Various employment agencies and trade associations can also help you.
What should you take into account?
For a successful employment relationship with a status holder, you have to take multiple factors into account.
Language proficiency
To be able to participate effectively, good language skills are important. Support newcomers with, for example, a language coach, or develop specialized courses covering the jargon that is used daily within your sector.
The right guidance
At the onboarding Does the newcomer need more guidance. Good guidance in the workplace is then important. For example, provide a mentor or buddy who can give the right, personal guidance and support.
Create a support base
Include your employees in the process. And inform them about the arrival of a newcomer. Also check who he or she can turn to with any questions or problems.
