The new Dutch government has announced several important policy changes, particularly in the areas of agriculture, migration, and education. These changes could have a substantial impact on international residents living in the northern Netherlands, affecting local communities and services. Below is a summary of the key points you should be aware of.
Healthcare
The government will reduce the healthcare deductible to €165 in 2027 and streamline administrative processes in the healthcare sector through digitalization and AI.
Education
Despite budget cuts, the government has committed to maintaining free school meals and providing additional funding for schools in sparsely populated areas. While there will be a reduction in English-taught programs at universities and colleges, strategic exceptions will be made for courses related to skill shortages.
Additionally, a significant change is on the horizon for educational resources. The government is raising the VAT on schoolbooks from 9% to 21%, which could make learning materials more expensive. Schools are expected to receive compensation, but it’s worth keeping an eye on how this impacts educational costs for expat families in the long term.
Social security
The government aims to simplify the process of applying for allowances and increase support for low-income households by raising the rental allowance (huurtoeslag) and childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag).
Labor market
The government plans to address the misclassification of employees as freelancers (zzp’ers), ensuring that workers receive appropriate benefits and protections.
Housing
The government has set ambitious targets to build 100,000 new homes per year and will implement stricter measures to expedite the construction process.
Immigration
The government intends to tighten asylum and immigration rules, including limiting family reunification and increasing the speed of asylum procedures. In the event of an asylum crisis, stricter emergency measures may be implemented.
Economic policy
The government aims to create a more business-friendly environment by reducing bureaucracy and offering tax incentives. Additionally, there will be increased investment in renewable energy and sustainable practices.
International relations
The government will continue to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and remain a constructive partner in the EU.
Impact on internationals
These policy changes may have several implications for expats and internationals living in the Netherlands:
- Increased bureaucracy: The tighter immigration rules may lead to more administrative challenges for expats.
- Higher living costs: Measures to address the housing shortage could result in increased housing costs.
- Greater focus on integration: Expats may be expected to demonstrate a higher level of integration into Dutch society.
- Improved business environment: The government’s focus on economic growth and a business-friendly environment could create new opportunities for expats working in international companies.
These are just some of the key policy changes introduced by the new cabinet, and while many hope for successful implementation, the plans have faced significant criticism. Concerns have been raised particularly in the areas of asylum, education, and environmental policies. Organizations like COA and Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland worry that the asylum reforms could lead to chaos and worsen conditions for refugees. The UN Refugee Agency has urged the government to uphold its legal obligations, while critics argue the measures prioritize strictness over meaningful solutions. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace and Natuurmonumenten, have condemned the government for neglecting urgent climate and nature issues, claiming the policies fall short of the action needed.
In the education sector, proposed budget cuts have sparked strong opposition. Universities and student unions warn that these cuts could weaken the country’s economic potential, create labor shortages, and hinder critical research. Medical institutions have also stressed that reduced funding could slow advancements in healthcare, impacting treatments for diseases like cancer. Many view the government’s approach as short-term thinking that risks causing long-term harm across various sectors.
Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, license here
