Unemployment grows faster among foreigners

In 2003 unemployment in the Netherlands increased significantly. The growth rate in unemployment among foreign immigrants was slightly higher than among the native Dutch population. In 2003 more than 14 percent of the non-western labour force were unemployed. Especially among Turks, Moroccans and Antilleans/Arubans unemployment rose relatively quickly.

Increase slightly higher among non-western foreigners

Unemployment among non-western foreigners rose to 14 percent in 2003. The corresponding percentages for 2002 and 2001 were 10 and 9 respectively. Unemployment among the native Dutch population increased by more than 1 percent point to 4 percent in the same period, thus the unemployment rate among foreign immigrants grew slightly faster than among the native Dutch population.

Unemployment among western foreigners rose from more than 4 percent in 2001 to almost 7 percent in 2003.

Unemployment among 15 to 64-year-olds by ethnic origin

Noticeable increase among Turks, Moroccans and Antilleans/Arubans

The increase in unemployment was not evenly spread among the various groups of non-western immigrants.

There was a striking increase in unemployment among Turks, Moroccans and Antilleans/Arubans. One in six of the working population were unemployed in 2003, whereas in 2001 the unemployment rate was one in eleven. Unemployment among Surinamese was relatively low: 10 percent were jobless, nevertheless twice the average.

Unemployment among non-western 15 to 64-year-olds 

Increase among first and second generation foreigners

The strong increase in unemployment affected both the first and the second generation foreigners. In 2003, 15 percent of the first generation were unemployed, in 2001 less than 9 percent. Second generation unemployment rose from 9 to almost 13 percent. Unemployment among western first and second generation foreigners also increased.

Unemployment among 15 to 64-year-olds by ethnic origin and generation

Sabine Lucassen

Source: StatLine