Within the municipality of Hollands Kroon much (agricultural) work is done by people coming from other EU countries, such as Poland, Romania, Hungary, Latvia and Bulgaria. The work match is often done through employment agencies who also arrange housing, transportation and the necessary administration for people.
Commissioned by the municipality of Hollands Kroon, we conducted research into the question: 'How can people who come to the municipality as EU labor migrants become fully-fledged members of the local society?' And what are their own needs in this? Our presentation of the research report was positively received by the municipal council and the Werk in Nederland project leaders meeting organized by SZW on September 16.
Structure of research on EU migrant workers
The research question on the integration of EU labor migrants connected to the ambition of the municipality's administration to know better what people need in order to settle longer in the municipality. So that the municipality, together with various (local) partners, can take concrete actions on this. Actions that ensure that people who want to stay longer can fully participate in the local society.
Three methodologies
For the research we used three methodologies: action research, participatory observation and expert pools. We supplemented the participatory research with individual support to about 10 people who had practical questions about finding their way in the municipality. By looking for solutions together, we learned more about the obstacles and opportunities they faced. This qualitative approach allowed us to gain knowledge from a group that is quite difficult to reach. There was time and space to build a relationship of trust with the people we talked to, which allowed them to give us a more complete insight into their desires, aspirations and needs.
Analysis with Indicators of Integration
The results were analyzed based on the "14 indicators model for integration." This model shows what newcomers themselves believe is needed to feel at home and build a life in a new country. All insights from the research came together in a joint design session with the municipality, where we ensured a smooth bridge from knowledge to application.
"Very happy with the survey, we see from the coalition agreement the ambition to work on this. Many of these lines are reflected in the research. Very nice, extremely important theme that requires a lot of our attention."
Goals and residence perspective influence needs
During the survey of EU labor migrants, we saw that the length of a person's stay (short-, mid- or long-stay) in the Netherlands is not the most relevant factor when it comes to people's needs. Two other factors were found to be especially influential. First, the goals people have for their stay in the Netherlands, such as a savings goal, wanting to build a new life or support family.
In addition, the residence perspective plays a role. How long do people see themselves living in the Netherlands and to what extent is this accompanied by a "sense of temporality"? Here we saw differences between a short-term, long-term temporary* and long-term residence perspective. As with the goals, however, this distinction is not black and white in practice. Perspectives also change over time. The people we spoke to mention that it is an ongoing process of weighing up different options: the option to stay in the Netherlands, to return to the country of origin or to migrate on to another EU country.
* Long-term temporary: long-term residence, but with a sense of temporality. For example: someone is here 10 years to save up for a house in Poland. This person still sees this as a temporary phase of his life, although objectively you can also see 10 years as long-term residence.
"Interesting to read! Especially your interpretation on 'temporality' is very recognizable. In almost all studies, 'temporariness' is interpreted in terms of time. But it indeed has much more to do with the employee's perspective. " - employer
Key insights for policy and implementation
In addition, 8 key themes emerged from the data in the study. These core themes around the integration of EU labor migrants all revolve around being a full part of the local society. A detailed analysis of the core themes and associated opportunities can be read in the report.
- Need for stability. This expresses itself in different ways and depends on the perspective of residence.
- People experience limited access to the mainstream healthcare system.
- Access to information and services from the municipality and organizations.
- People are often unaware of their rights as workers in the Netherlands.
- People need more local social contacts.
- Informal networks play a major role in access to information and access to other areas of life, such as housing and (new) employment.
- The needs in language learning (Dutch or English) vary and depend on one's personal goals.
- Limited information about the Dutch labor market and the link between housing and work leads to little incentive to look for new work.
"Super interesting. It gave us more insight into this group, and confirmed some assumptions. Also very interesting to share outside of Hollands Kroon."
Opportunities integration EU migrant workers
To these themes we link opportunities that the municipality, or local partners, can concretely address in policy and implementation for the integration of EU labor migrants. These are suggestions from the expert pool or from local parties we spoke to, current practices within the municipality that can potentially be built upon and examples of best practices from other municipalities.
Download report
"A long-term perspective for EU migrant workers in Hollands Kroon."
Migration Advisory Council report
"No third-class citizens. The risks to posted migrant workers and Dutch society."
