Members of the ABU (Dutch Federation of Private Employment Agencies) will see separate contracts for work and accommodation effective from 1 April 2023.

The move is in line with the recommendations made by a government commission at the end of 2020 to improve the position of overseas seasonal and temporary workers.

In the ‘From Good to Better Plan’, the ABU takes further steps towards the ‘implementation of good employment practices, quality improvement and availability of accommodation, training and attention to the well-being of labour migrants.’

According to Dutchnews.nl, the ABU agreement will give people a month to find a new place to live if they lose their job or their contract ends. It will also provide fall-back housing for those who find themselves homeless. However, the ABU agreement is not binding on the sector in general and most problems are concentrated at staffing agencies which are not members of the association, experts say.

Last May, social affairs ministry chief inspector Rits de Boer said people moving to the Netherlands to do low-skilled work are living in ‘increasingly miserable conditions’ and that Dutch firms are opting to use cheap foreign workers rather than innovate or improve working conditions.

Since then, the government has agreed to set up a certification system for staffing agencies from 2025 but this does not go as far as the commission wanted. It called for the return of formal licences.

The ABU said the Commission’s recommendations will be reflected in the compulsory certification of temporary workers in 2025. In addition, the ABU will standardise its members' duty of care and information when it comes to working, living and care.

For example, ABU members are obliged to offer international employees contracts in their national language. They must also inform newcomers about registering with the municipality. Since last year, the ABU also has an online counter where labour migrants can easily report complaints if they cannot resolve it with their employer.

Jurriën Koops, director of ABU, said, “A lot is going well and there is still room for improvement. We take our responsibility and don't wait. We continue to take steps forward. We can't do that alone. That is why we call on the cabinet, the government, municipalities, trade unions, housing providers and other parties to work together on a better position for migrant workers.”

According to the ABU, 35% of the temporary employment population is now a labour migrant, adding that it is an important group.

Minister Karien van Gennip of Social Affairs and Employment said, “I am pleased with the responsibility that the ABU and its members take. Work is important. For everyone. I see rogue broadcasters and broadcasters (staffing firms) who want to make the world a better place. The certification system will tackle malicious parties. We need each other to tackle these cowboys. Let's get into this together.”