Asylum seekers with strong claims can now work after three months
From mid-2026, asylum seekers with a high chance of protection can start working after just three months, instead of six. This change aims to speed up integration, ease labor shortages, and help asylum seekers become financially independent sooner.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| New waiting period | 3 months (down from 6) for asylum seekers with high protection chances |
| Excluded groups | Asylum seekers from safe countries (no work permit allowed) |
| EU Asylum and Migration Pact | Enters into force June 12, 2026 |
| 24-week rule | Permanently abolished |
| Work permit applications | Over 30,000 in 2025 (up from ~600 in 2022) |
| Implementation timeline | Rules to be finalized via General Administrative Order (AMvB) |
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment oversees labor market policies, including work permits for asylum seekers. This change aligns with broader government efforts to balance integration, labor market needs, and migration management under EU agreements.
Openrijk has no cookies or ads
But could use some support
Read the full translated article below
Asylum seekers with high chance of protection may start working sooner
Asylum seekers with a higher chance of obtaining protection may start working after just three months. The Council of Ministers has approved this proposal by Minister Vijlbrief of Social Affairs and Employment. Currently, asylum seekers in the asylum procedure are only allowed to work after six months. This does not apply to those with a low chance of obtaining protection. Under the new rules, people from, for example, safe countries will no longer be allowed to work at all.
Minister Vijlbrief: “It is important that people with a high chance of protection can participate as soon as possible. A job helps with integration. Work ensures that you learn the language faster and can participate in society. They will also receive wages sooner and contribute to covering reception costs. Additionally, it is beneficial for employers that people can start working as soon as possible, especially in a tight labor market.”
EU Asylum and Migration Pact
On June 12, 2026, the European Asylum and Migration Pact will enter into force. It has been agreed that asylum applications with a lower chance of admission will be processed more quickly. For example, if someone comes from a safe country, it will become clear sooner whether they will be granted asylum or not.
Permanent abolition of the 24-week rule
The so-called ‘24-week rule’ will also be removed from the regulations. Asylum seekers were previously only allowed to work for 24 weeks per 52-week period. In 2023, a court ruled that this was not permitted, and since then, the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) has no longer applied this rule. Employers must still apply to the UWV for a work permit to hire an asylum seeker. This has led to a significant increase in the number of asylum seekers in employment, from around 600 permits granted in 2022 to over 30,000 applications in 2025.
Implementation
The coalition agreement stipulates that asylum seekers with a good chance of obtaining a residence permit may start working after three months in the asylum procedure. The new rules will be incorporated into a General Administrative Order (AMvB). The adjustments will be shared with the House of Representatives and the Senate through a so-called prior consultation procedure. The Minister of Social Affairs and Employment will then submit the proposal to the Council of State for advice. The rules will be amended as soon as possible so that the waiting period is reduced from six to three months.