Labour migration to the Netherlands continues to grow

In 2007, some 80 thousand non-Dutch immigrants came to the Netherlands, i.e. 13 thousand more than in 2006. For the average non-Dutch immigrant the main motive to come to the Netherlands was to find a job. In the preceding twelve years, family reunification had been the main motive.

Non-Dutch immigrants by migration motive

More labour migrants and students, fewer asylum seekers

In 2007, 4 in every 10 migrants had come to the Netherlands to find work, as against 2 in 10 in 2000. The number of foreign students has almost doubled since 2000. 

In 2000 and 2001, 30 percent of immigrants coming to the Netherlands were asylum seekers. In 2007, only 5 percent concerned asylum seekers.

Labour migrants from other EU countries constitute largest group

Most immigrants were residents of EU member states looking for jobs. The number of immigrants increased in 2007, not only from new EU-member states like Bulgaria, Poland and Romania, but also from ‘old’ EU member states. Labour migration from Asia – predominantly India and the Philippines – is also growing.

Labour migrants by country of birth

Immigration from traditional countries considerably down

Immigration from Turkey and Morocco has slowed down considerably in recent years. In total, 2.9 thousand Turkish and 1.7 thousand Moroccan immigrants settled in the Netherlands, the lowest number for both countries since 1967.

Immigration from Turkey and Morocco

Han Nicolaas