Discrimination is a significant problem facing many of the Netherlands’ international residents, according to a new survey by DutchNews. Whether they have lived in the country for years or are recent arrivals, and regardless of their Dutch language proficiency, expats report high levels of discrimination.
The survey, which included 3,384 participants, found that just under half of the respondents had personally experienced racism or discrimination in the Netherlands. Additionally, 43% had witnessed instances of racial discrimination. Although the survey was self-selecting and not representative of the entire international population, the results are telling. Over 1,000 people shared detailed accounts of their experiences, with 68% stating that they felt racism and discrimination are moderate to serious problems in the country.
Language barriers: “Speak Dutch or leave,” expats told despite fluency
Language proficiency was a notable factor in discriminatory experiences. Sixteen percent of respondents reported being told they should not live in the Netherlands if they did not speak Dutch, and 15.4% were told to “go back to your own country.” Even those who spoke Dutch fluently were not immune, facing criticism for not speaking the language “properly.”
One Canadian respondent recounted an incident while biking with her children: “A man loudly said to us, ‘Dutch, Dutch, Dutch.’ He was annoyed at hearing English on the street. I do speak Dutch, not that it should matter.”
Closed doors: Housing and employment challenges for expats
Discrimination in the workplace and housing market was also prevalent. About half of the reported incidents occurred in these settings. Many expats faced difficulties finding accommodation, often being turned away by landlords or quoted higher rents. Employment discrimination was equally troubling, with several respondents noting that they were denied jobs due to insufficient Dutch language skills, even when fluency was not a job requirement.
One woman described her frustration: “Even if I make an attempt to talk in Dutch, most shop assistants will still talk in English to me as if I look like a foreigner. However, at some places, people take offense that my Dutch is not good enough.”
From schoolyards to supermarkets: Everyday discrimination
Respondents shared numerous personal stories highlighting the pervasive nature of discrimination. One international school student recalled being booed at the Concertgebouw concert hall in Amsterdam during a special performance for schools. Another respondent faced aggressive verbal abuse in a supermarket, being told, “You f*****g ASML Indians, go back to your f*****g country, or f*****g learn Dutch if you want to snatch away our hard-earned money.”
Another expat shared an experience of looking for a job: “I was sending my application replying to ads that required ‘good command of Dutch,’ using my fluent Dutch. Many times I received a ‘no’ reply because ‘they are looking for someone who speaks Dutch fluently’ or ‘they are looking for someone who IS Dutch’ or ‘they are looking for someone who graduated from a Dutch university.’”
“Just jokes”: When “Dutch directness” becomes offensive
Ethnic and racial stereotypes were common in social settings. One man shared his experience of dating a Dutch girl: “Her friends kept making jokes about my nationality. When I pointed it out, she said I was too sensitive ‘because Dutch people are very direct.’ When I said this is rudeness where I’m from, she told me to go back there. I broke up with her on the spot.”
Others faced blatant racism in more personal environments. A respondent mentioned that their Thai partner, despite being a Dutch citizen, was frequently asked if she worked in a massage parlour or assumed to be a servant. “My partner, who was originally Thai but is now a Dutch citizen, is often asked which massage parlour she works in. People also frequently assume that she is my servant rather than my partner,” he said.
