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The Centre for Work and Income (CWI Centrum voor Werk en Inkomen) and its employment centre (Arbeidsbureau, AB) manage unemployment and job seekers in the Netherlands. There are CWI branches throughout the country.
Employment in the Netherlands: EU/EEA citizensCitizens of the EU and EEA (European Economic Area) have the right to live and work in the Netherlands without a work permit, subject to having a work contract for the period of their stay. These citizens are also entitled to stay in the Netherlands for three months per year (calculated from the date of registration) in order to look for work. EU/EEA citizens working in the Netherlands who hold a valid Dutch residence permit have the same rights as nationals with regard to pay, working conditions, access to housing, vocational training, social security and trade union membership and unemployment. Families and immediate dependants are entitled to join them and have similar rights. Note: an EEA national staying longer than three months while looking for work needs a residence permit. This can be obtained from the Foreign Police (Vreemdelingenpolitie). Contact the Foreign Police on the national enquiry number:
Nationals from any of the new EU states (Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia) will need a work permit issued by their employer. Registering with the Foreign PoliceWithin eight days of arrival all EEA nationals must register with the Foreign Police.
The BSN numberThe BSN (Burgerservicenummer) number (formerly a SoFI–number) is a unique, personal number issued to everyone registered in the Gemeentelijke Basisadministratie persoonsgegevens (GBA), or the Personal Records Database of a municipality. It is required when starting a job, opening a bank account, using the health care system, applying for benefits, buying a car and announcing a change of address. Foreigners arriving in the Netherlands must register with the registration office (Dienst Burgerzaken) of the Gemeentelijke Basisadministratie persoonsgegevens (GBA). Within weeks, a new resident will receive a letter containing registration details and the BSN number.
Note: Foreign residents who have previously been issued with a SoFI number need not change this to the BSN number - this will have happened automatically. Employment in the Netherlands: Non-EU citizensNon-EU nationals must have a confirmed position, and will have to present several documents:
Registering as UnemployedThe CWI (Centrum voor werk en inkomen) helps people to find work or apply for unemployment benefits. EU nationals are free to use the CWI services after completing entry formalities. This means having the police stamp "3-monthly EU jobseeker" on their passport. Those who fit into one of the following categories may access CWI services free of charge:
Registration (registratie) means that the personal details of the unemployed person are entered into the CWI computer. The CWI will ask for a valid ID (passport and residence permit). As a general rule all those with a valid residence permit and work permit are covered by the Netherlands' social security system. The CWI will provide information on an individual's status and eligibility for unemployment benefits.
Job HuntingMost people in the Netherlands find work either by word-of-mouth, through a contact such as a friend, partner or colleague, by networking and by sending spontaneous applications. There are also more conventional ways of finding work. The CWI also provides intermediary services (bemiddeling), acting as liaison between prospective employers and job-seekers. CWI staff can help identify suitable jobs or check for vacancies all over the country, or mediate with prospective employers in the Netherlands. EURES (European Employment Services)Citizens of the EU or EEA can find details of jobs in the Netherlands at their local Government Employment Service through the EURES network. EURES is a partnership between all of the employment services in the EU/EEA, to support free movement of workers and as such provides a complete database of vacancies. Euroadvisers who administer the EURES system can help with the practical issues involved with employment through the EU. In person or by phone
Newspapers, magazines and books
Websites for jobseekers in the NetherlandsCVs can be registered with a number of agencies and companies online. Or try an online job search at:
Temping agencies (Uitzendbureaus)Temping jobs are common in the Netherlands. Many agencies can find work for non-Dutch speakers, with jobs advertised online and the following agencies databases of vacancies:
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This is the "Unemployment and Job Seeking in Holland" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Holland South. AngloINFO Holland South's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in South Netherlands, in English!". AngloINFO Holland South is your Holland South information source, for everyone living in Holland South or moving to Holland South, covering everything from the Holland South property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to Holland, to all aspects of everyday life in the Holland South international community for those living their lives in Holland. | ||||||||||||||||||||