The increasing number of highly skilled and educated immigrants in the Netherlands is yielding a positive outcome in terms of job creation for the local workforce, as noted by former Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem. In a recent interview with EenVandaag, Dijsselbloem revealed that for every highly-educated immigrant that tech company ASML recruits to its Eindhoven Brainport office, three vocational jobs are created for local residents.
This viewpoint was supported by Sandra Philippen, chief economist at ABN Amro, who confirmed the significant contribution of knowledge migrants to the Dutch economy. She stressed that these immigrants enrich the economy, leading to heightened economic activity and consequently the generation of new jobs for locals.
Despite the favorable effects of immigration on job creation, concerns have been raised by prominent companies in the Netherlands regarding the government’s intentions to restrict immigration, particularly concerning highly-skilled workers and international students. ASML and Boskalis are among the companies that have expressed their plans to expand abroad if they are unable to continue attracting international talent to the Netherlands, citing ongoing staff shortages domestically.
In a recent opinion piece for FD, three professors from the University of Amsterdam highlighted the adverse effects of the government’s proposed measures, such as limiting tax benefits for workers recruited abroad and reducing tax incentives for research and development. The professors emphasized that these decisions have already caused uncertainty and upheaval in the business community.
These concerns were echoed by DNB president Klaas Knot, who underscored the valuable contribution of highly skilled immigrants to the Dutch economy. He further cautioned about the existing limitations in the country’s capacity, particularly in the labor market, housing market, infrastructure, and environmental challenges.
Furthermore, the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) pointed out that while migrant workers can alleviate shortages in certain sectors, they are unable to address shortages in all sectors due to language barriers. Additionally, the influx of more workers contributes to increased demand for goods and services, thereby creating a need for more local workers.
In conclusion, the presence of highly skilled immigrants in the Netherlands has proven to be beneficial for the local economy, leading to job creation and economic growth. As the government considers its immigration policies, it is essential to take into account the positive impact of these immigrants in addressing staff shortages and contributing to the country’s economic development.