Integration is often a central topic in Dutch media and political debates. In 2000, social scientist Paul Scheffer published an influential opinion piece arguing that the Dutch multicultural model was inadequate. Two years later, The politician Pim Fortuyn won the 2002 elections and built his political mandate on immigration, claiming that Dutch norms and values should be a part of the integration process. More recently, the politician Dilan Yeşilgöz stated that our freedom in the Netherlands is being restricted by people in society who do not share Dutch values. Likewise, Prime Minister Dick Schoof has argued the country is facing an ‘integration problem’, which he linked to youth crimes. These statements reflect a broader narrative portraying immigrants as unwilling or unable to integrate into the Dutch society.
But what does it mean to be integrated? Does it mean speaking the language, having a job, making Dutch friends, adopting local customs, or simply being accepted by society? Most people in the Netherlands define integration as participating in society. While most agree that integration is a joint effort, both people with and without a migration background believe that the other group doesn't do its part.
Not everyone who moves to the Netherlands is required to integrate through the official system. Migrants who stay temporarily or who come from countries within the European Union are generally exempt from the formal integration process. This process entails learning the language and gaining general knowledge about the Netherlands, which is tested through a series of exams. Other immigrants, like refugees who apply for asylum, do have to officially integrate after receiving their residence permit.
“Both sides need to open up to each other, but now they are afraid”
The journey of integration for asylum seekers in the Netherlands
When asylum seekers enter the Netherlands, they are immediately sent to the arrival refugee centres in Ter Apel or Budel to apply for asylum. They usually stay there for about six days until their registration interview. During this first interview, the asylum procedure officially begins.
After this stage, asylum seekers are transferred to COA reception centres. Currently, this waiting period lasts on average about 21 months. During this time, it is difficult for asylum seekers to work. They are only allowed to work if an employer requests a special work permit for them and if their application has been under review for at least 6 months.
Once asylum seekers receive their residence permit, they can start working, studying, and join municipal integration programmes such as language courses. In short, they can start actively taking part in society.
“You are just waiting on a person to listen to your story and on whether they agree to protect you or not. So for me it was a period of staying without earth, without breath, without any connections”
Do immigrants do their part?
Integration is a long and complex process influenced by different factors. The following paragraphs will present some research based-facts, which can be used to determine your own opinion.
Disclaimer: The following paragraphs will include statistical averages that do not represent every individual.
Work and economic participation
Immigrants in the Netherlands have unique challenges in the labour market. On average, they have lower education and are more likely to work in lower-paid jobs than people without a migration background, mostly in fields less popular among Dutch people without a migration background.
Around 9.2% of immigrants rely on social welfare benefits to stay above the poverty line, compared to 1.7% of Dutch people without a migration background. There are a number of reasons contributing to this gap. Language barriers, the lack of recognition of foreign diplomas, bias and discrimination can make it harder for immigrants to find stable, well-paid jobs.
At the same time, labour market participation among migrants has increased significantly in recent years. As a result, the unemployment assistance rates are now very similar: 1.3% of immigrants receive unemployment benefits compared to 1.1% of people without a migration background.
“Everything is a lot more individualistic, and because of that, I have way less friends here.”
Living situation and criminal activity
Criminal rates has declined across all ethnic groups in the Netherlands, including among immigrant communities. While immigrants appear to have higher crime rates when compared to the overall Dutch population, the picture changes when socio-economic factors are considered. When compared to people in similar socio-economic positions, immigrants actually show lower crime rates than citizens without a migration background. This suggests that social and economic circumstances—such as income, housing, and opportunities—play a larger role in criminal behaviour than migration background itself.
In the articles about the housing crisis and criminality, you can find a more thorough analysis of these topics.
Language
Research by the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) shows that most immigrants barely speak Dutch when they migrate to the Netherlands, but after living in the country for some time, nearly 90% speak Dutch relatively well. The longer they stay, the more opportunities they have to learn the language.
Norms and values
The debate on whether immigrants actually adapt to Dutch culture is complex. One challenge is that these norms and values are not always clearly defined. Even most Dutch citizens do not have a clear answer.
In 2019, the Dutch Institute for Social Research (SCP) identified several values commonly associated with Dutch society. It is difficult to determine whether immigrants adapt to these norms and values. Research shows there are large differences between and within immigrant groups. Norms and values are a highly personal and individual matter, and they are not always clearly observable.
Values held by the average Dutch citizen
The responsibility of Dutch residents
Dutch culture might not be as tolerant as Dutch citizens believe. Most citizens do not support the exclusion of migrants, but they do not view the presence of multiple cultures as a benefit to society. This might be the reason why many people are not strongly inclined to put effort into the integration of minorities.
“Since many Dutch people are not aware of the fact that their 'culture' influences all citizens in their country, they do not realise that the segregation of certain immigrant groups could be a consequence of their own attitude towards these citizens” - Anne Gordijn
The expectation that immigrants should fully conform to Dutch norms can make society less accessible to them. It places most of the responsibility for integration on immigrants themselves whilst making rejection more likely. As long as immigrants do not conform, they may be continue regarded as outsiders. This is in line with the findings of a study on citizens' perspectives on migration. It shows that even the children of immigrants—who were born and raised in the Netherlands—are often still treated as different by people without a migration background.
There is no clear answer to what the issues with integration are. However, it seems that many people are currently unsatisfied with how integration is going. To change this, the root causes of the issues should defined and addressed.
“I have learned to be more free, more honest, more practical, open. That’s amazing”
The story of Vartie
Vartie is an example of someone who moved to the Netherlands and immediately tried to integrate into Dutch society. She had to abandon her life in Syria, dangerously travel to Turkey, after which she migrated to the Netherlands. She dreams of simple things, she dreams of a future:
“A little family with daughters, pets, a stable life, a good job, a safe environment, and good people. Isn't that enough to have a good life?”
Once she arrived in the Netherlands, she faced various challenges. Initially, the language barrier was the most difficult issue for Vartie. The inability to completely express herself resulted in frustration and loneliness.
“Learning the local language is key to talking to people and getting to know them”
Cultural differences were a challenge as well. Vartie was concerned about how her Syrian customs would be received. However, after learning the language, she was able to communicate and better comprehend Dutch culture. Over time, she realised that her open mindset and straightforward personality, which she had to hide in Syria, was a good fit for Dutch society.
Vartie's study of social care was critical to her integration. Completing her MBO studies and internship at Travers Welzijn in Holtenbroek provided her not only with professional skills but also with a deeper understanding of Dutch society. Her work now allows her to use her own experiences to support others.
“I just want to help people, refugees, find the right way to start their lives.”
Integration is not possible without social interactions. Vartie recognised this in both her own experience and in her current work. Initially, she felt lonely and socially isolated. She missed the constant contact with her family and friends like in Syria. Her own efforts, such as volunteering, have helped her expand her social circle.
The willingness of Dutch people to initiate contact is vital. She wishes she had received more help from Dutch individuals; it was very difficult to reach out and figure everything out on her own. Yet despite the challenges, she expresses deep gratitude for all the opportunities she has received in the Netherlands and for the sense of belonging she feels within the Dutch culture. Her story shows that successful integration requires a collective effort.
