In-depth interviews of migrant workers Northwijk

Expert pool

Project

Migrant workers Noordwijk

Client

Municipality of Noordwijk

Duration

April–July 2025

Product

In-depth interviews

Project description

We are gathering the perspectives and experiences of migrant workers in Noordwijk by organizing 10 in-depth interviews. The aim is to get to know migrant workers with different characteristics (such as diversity in age, gender, nationality, and how long people have been living in the municipality) and to gather their experiences of living in the municipality. The research is part of a participation process for drawing up a policy plan for international workers.

In doing so, we focus on topics such as:

How is housing arranged from the perspective of the people themselves?
Are people aware of their rights and obligations?
Are people aware of existing facilities? Do they know where to find them?
And in a broader sense: what are the experiences and needs of migrant workers living in the municipality of Noordwijk?

“The opportunity to find stable rental accommodation and have a job that doesn't go through a temp agency. That would help me to really have a perspective on staying here, without feeling like a temporary worker.”

Results & insights

The report has been published on the municipality's website as part of the participation process for the International Workers Policy Plan. Following a decision by the Council, the municipalities will consult with social partners and set up a sounding board group of respondents who wish to remain involved.

The people we interviewed have mixed experiences with living and working in the municipality of Noordwijk. Positive aspects include the helpfulness of the municipality, the location of the housing, and access to beautiful nature. At the same time, they feel they have insufficient access to information about their rights, the healthcare system, the housing market, and other aspects of local society. Differences in needs are determined, among other things, by whether people see their stay as temporary or whether they want to build a life in the Netherlands. Future policy could offer both groups perspective, knowledge, and appropriate support.