The length of stay of migrant workers depends mainly on the job market and economic prospects

How long a migrant worker stays in the Netherlands depends mainly on the labour market and the economic prospects in both the Netherlands and the country of origin. This was reported by the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) in an analysis published on Monday . Migrant workers stay in the Netherlands for a shorter period of time when unemployment is higher here or when the economy in their country of birth is growing faster. Job loss and finding a new job also affect the length of stay.

For migrant workers who lose their job, the chance of leaving the Netherlands is three times greater than during their first period of employment. For migrant workers from outside the EU, this is partly because their residence permit is often directly linked to their work and employer.

When migrant workers find work again, they leave on average twice as slowly. The recovery of their financial and economic position strengthens their intention to stay longer and their bond with the Netherlands.

Height of income

The level of income is also an important factor in the decision to stay or leave. The higher the income, the better a migrant worker is able to build a more stable and better existence in the Netherlands. Of migrant workers with a monthly income between 1,000 euros and 2,000 euros, 64 percent are still present in the Netherlands after five years, while for people with a monthly income between 2,000 euros and 3,000 euros, this is 78 percent.

People with high incomes of over 6,000 euros stay even longer: 87 percent of this group are still in the Netherlands after five years.