Unemployed young people from Spain and France may come in handy in the Netherlands as an answer to the labor market shortage. This includes youth from problem areas in France, so-called banlieues† With this suggestion, Minister Karien van Gennip (Social Affairs and Employment, CDA) will come in on Tuesday an interview with the AD† The minister emphasizes that the European Union has ‘a lot of labor potential’. “If we want to function as one Europe, we must also be concerned about youth unemployment in other European countries.”
Van Gennip states that her priority is to help the million Dutch unemployed to find a job, but also notes that labor migration in the EU is ‘vital’. In the interview, she raises the possibility of bringing French young people with an MBO education to the Netherlands. “Work helps people get on the right track.”
A spokesperson for Van Gennip clarified on Tuesday that the cabinet will not actively work on attracting young people from Southern Europe. According to him, the suggestion is mainly intended for employers. From a political point of view, it is a response to the European Commission’s initiative to bring in migrant workers from outside Europe. “The minister only wants to make it clear that there are also countries within the EU with high unemployment and labor potential. She has worked in France for five years and has seen that the banlieues can also offer opportunities.”
Sensitive topic
Last month warned the Labor Inspectorate in its annual report for the appalling conditions under which migrant workers in the Netherlands have to live. The Inspectorate even argued to limit the number of foreign workers in the Netherlands. Van Gennip punctual in the AD the importance of labor migration. “Our economy largely runs on migrant workers.” She does think that employers should invest more in housing and care facilities for foreign employees.
The minister raises a sensitive point: the House and the coalition are divided on the subject of labor migration. This became apparent, for example, when the European Commission presented a proposal last month to encourage the migration of workers from outside Europe. D66 is in favor of that plan, but the VVD and ChristenUnie reacted negatively†
Opposition parties are also critical of labor migration and Van Gennip’s proposal. SP leader Lilian Marijnissen speaks of an “evil and otherworldly plan.” Also on the right wing sounds harsh criticism from the PVV and Forum for Democracy. Joost Eerdmans, leader of JA21, believes that the cabinet is “asking for problems” and announces parliamentary questions.