Minister Eddy van Hijum of Social Affairs and Employment: “With this law, we are taking a significant step in combating abuses involving labor migrants. We are breaking the profit model of fraudulent employment agencies by permanently removing them from the market. They will not receive a permit to continue sending people. There is only a future for companies that treat people decently.”
Important Dates
- Agencies wishing to make use of the transitional law must register with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment between November 1, 2026, and January 1, 2027. If companies fall under the transitional law, they may continue to lend staff as long as the ministry has not yet assessed the permit application;
- From January 1, 2027, the law will come into effect. Agencies can start the admission process. They must submit this by July 1, 2027;
- On January 1, 2028, the Dutch labor inspectorate will begin enforcement. Agencies operating in the labor market without admission will receive a fine. This fine also applies to companies that make use of employment agencies, the so-called hirers.
Operation of the Law
A special unit at the ministry will decide on behalf of the minister whether an employment agency is admitted to the market. This agency can also suspend agencies and revoke a permit in cases of serious misconduct.
To gain access, agencies must submit a VOG and transfer a security deposit of €100,000. Additionally, they must prove that they comply with existing laws and regulations, such as the statutory minimum wage.
Even before the law comes into effect, the cabinet continues to work on a strict approach to fraudulent employment agencies.