Changes to access to work for asylum seekers

What has changed?

Do you employ asylum seekers? Or do you want to hire an asylum seeker? As of 12 June 2026 the rules for asylum applicants in employment have changed.

As a result of new European rules not all asylum applicants are allowed to work in the Netherlands. Whether they are allowed to, depends on the status of their asylum application.

The main changes are:

• Some asylum applicants are no longer allowed to work in the Netherlands.
• Asylum seekers from a safe country of origin may not be allowed to work in the Netherlands.
• Asylum applicants who pose a threat tot public order or national security are not permitted to work.
• Asylum applicants who have a better chance of being granted a residence permit are usually allowed to work.
• You must also apply for a work permit (TWV) to the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) for the asylum seeker who will be working for you after 12 June 2026.

What does this mean for you?

Do you wish to hire an asylum applicant? Then you must first check whether they are permitted to work. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) determines this. The asylum seeker will be notified of this 3 months after their asylum application.

After that, you apply for a work permit to UWV. UWV will check all conditions are met. Then you will be notified whether or not the asylum applicant may work for you.

For whom?

• entrepreneurs who employ asylum seekers
• entrepreneurs who wish to hire asylum seekers

When?

These new rules resulting from the European Pact on Migration and Asylum have entered into force on 12 June 2026.