News item | 03-11-2025 | 09:00
The rules for asylum seekers to be allowed to work are going to change. Currently, asylum seekers who are in the asylum procedure are allowed to start working after 6 months, but soon this will be possible after 3 months after their asylum procedure has started. This only applies to asylum seekers who have a greater chance of being allowed to stay in the Netherlands. Asylum seekers with a low chance of receiving an asylum permit are no longer allowed to work under the new rules. This applies, for example, to people from safe countries.
This is what Minister Mariëlle Paul of Social Affairs and Employment writes in an internet consultation that opens today.
Minister Paul of Social Affairs and Employment: “Anyone who has a good chance of staying in the Netherlands should participate as soon as possible. A job is good for the person. In addition, you also make an important contribution to the economy and society. But anyone who is not allowed to stay here is also not allowed to work. That is the basis for a fair, clear and necessary migration policy.”
EU Asylum and Migration Pact
The reason for changing these rules is the EU Asylum and Migration Pact, which will come into effect on June 12, 2026. From then on, there will be one joint European asylum system. The pact contains regulations and a directive that should ensure that the influx of asylum seekers to the Netherlands and the EU decreases. This should better distribute the burden between the Member States. This means a faster procedure for asylum seekers who come from safe countries and therefore have little prospect of staying in the EU. This also makes it easier to quickly assess whether or not someone is allowed to work here.
Permanently abolish the 24-week requirement
At the same time, the so-called 24-week requirement is also officially removed from the rules. Asylum seekers were only allowed to work 24 weeks per 52-week period. After a court ruling in November 2023 that the ’24-week requirement’ no longer applies, the UWV no longer applies it. The employer must apply to the UWV for a mandatory work permit if he wants to allow an asylum seeker to work. Since the 24-week requirement was no longer enforced, the number of asylum seekers with a job has risen sharply. From approximately 600 permits granted in 2022 to more than 16,500 permits at the beginning of September this year.
Participate as soon as possible
The fact that asylum seekers who are in the procedure will soon be allowed to participate in the labor market after 3 months and can also work more weeks is beneficial for the tight labor market. It also promotes the integration of these people. Work ensures that people learn the language faster, build a social network and can participate in society.
New rules in internet consultation
In order to implement the above rules, the Decree on the Implementation of the Aliens Employment Act 2022 and the Regulations on the Implementation of the Aliens Employment Act 2022 must be amended. These proposed changes went into internet consultation on November 3, 2025. The internet consultation runs until November 30, 2025.