Ten percent of first generation non-westerners have been living in the Netherlands ever since they were five years old

On 1 January 2003 there were over one million non-westerners of the first generation in the Netherlands. Over 10 percent came to the Netherlands before they were six years old. One third were under eighteen when they came to the Netherlands.

First generation non-western immigrants by age at immigration, 1 January 2003

At an early age

Part of non-western first generation immigrants were very young when they immigrated. Over 10 percent were under six when they moved to the Netherlands. Although these immigrants were not born in the Netherlands, they went to Dutch schools for their entire school careers.
Almost a quarter was aged between six and eighteen when they immigrated. They only did part of their schooling in the Netherlands. Two-thirds were already over eighteen when they arrived in the Netherlands.

First generation non-western immigrants by age at immigration and origin, 1 January 2003

Turkish and Moroccan immigrants

Relatively more Moroccans than Turks arrived in the Netherlands at a young age. Some 12 percent of first generation Moroccan immigrants came to the Netherlands before they were six, versus 9 percent of first generation Turks.
About two-thirds of first generation Turkish and Moroccan immigrants were over eighteen upon arrival in the Netherlands.

Surinamese and Antillean immigrants

Relatively more first generation Antilleans than Surinamese were adults when they came to the Netherlands. Seven in ten were over eighteen, versus six in ten Surinamese immigrants. The Surinamese first generation came relatively often while they were still attending school.

First and second generation non-western immigrants, 1 January 2003

Second generation

Just like second generation immigrants many first generation immigrants mainly grew up in the Netherlands. In total this applies to almost 1 million non-western immigrants. On 1 January 2003 some 620 thousand non-westerners were born in the Netherlands (second generation). Furthermore about 100 thousand non-western immigrants of the first generation came to the Netherlands before they were six and about 250 thousand arrived while still attending school.

Ron Tas