Executive summary

Based on a characterisation of labour migration to the Netherlands and of the Dutch labour migration policy, this review examines whether labour migrants match the demand in the Netherlands and explores how the Netherlands can attract and retain highly skilled migrants. Labour migration from non-EU countries to the Netherlands has been higher in recent years than prior to 2007 but remains low in comparison to other categories of migration. In 2013, it accounted for only 9% of the total permanent migration inflow of 100 000 persons. This share was higher than in Germany and France but below the average for European OECD countries. Inflows through free movement within the European Union accounted for more than 60% of permanent migrant flows to the Netherlands. Migrants from EU countries, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, are also the main source of temporary migrants, whose total level approached 200 000 in 2012.