Asylum seeker with high chance of permit can work after just three months

This is stated by Minister Mariëlle Paul of Social Affairs and Employment in an internet consultation opening today.

Minister Paul of Social Affairs and Employment: “Those who have a high chance of being allowed to stay in the Netherlands should participate as soon as possible. A job is good for the individual. Additionally, it contributes importantly to the economy and society. But those who are not allowed to stay here may not work. That is the basis for a fair, clear, and necessary migration policy.”

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 aimed at reducing the influx of asylum seekers to the Netherlands and the EU. This should better distribute the burdens among member states. It means a faster procedure for asylum seekers from safe countries, who have little chance of staying in the EU. This also makes it easier to quickly assess whether someone may work here or not.

At the same time, the so-called 24-week rule is officially removed from the regulations. Asylum seekers were only allowed to work 24 weeks per 52-week period. After a court ruling in November 2023 that the 24-week rule no longer applies, the UWV has also stopped applying it. Employers must apply for a mandatory work permit at the UWV if they want to employ an asylum seeker. Since the 24-week rule stopped being applied, the number of asylum seekers with jobs has risen sharply. From about 600 permits granted in 2022 to over 16,500 permits by early September this year.

Allowing asylum seekers in procedure to join the labor market after 3 months and work more weeks is beneficial for the tight labor market. It also promotes integration. Work helps people learn the language faster, build a social network, and participate in society.

To implement the above rules, the Decree implementing the Foreign Nationals Employment Act 2022 and the Regulation implementing the Foreign Nationals 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.