How Refugees can find employment in Maastricht

Maastricht has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that makes it a place for refugees looking to experience the best in the Netherlands. The conditions are dedicated to supporting refugees, and we understand that starting anew can be challenging for you as a refugee in a foreign land.  

Refugee employment in Maastricht is crucial to becoming independent. In this article, We will explain all you need to know about the job market in Maastricht, identify refugee-friendly employers, and offer valuable tips for refugees seeking employment in this beautiful Dutch city.

Understanding The Job Market in Maastricht

Maastricht is a beautiful Dutch city located in the southeastern province of Limburg. It is the Netherlands' oldest city and captivates people with its unique medieval and modern architecture. Maastricht is known for its job market, with a strong presence in healthcare, technology, and education industries. 

Dutch is known to be the predominant language, but many old companies operate in English. This is to make it an attractive destination for international talent, including refugees. To understand Maastricht Jobs, you have to get familiar with the following:

• Job Requirements

This depends on whether you are from the European Economic Area(EEA) or Switzerland. A work or residence permit is only available if you are from those two countries. You can live in the Netherlands but must have a valid identity document or passport. After that, you'll also be required to register where you live correctly. This is to ensure you have a citizen service number (CSN) or Burger Service Number (BSN) because that is what you'll use to find a Job. 

DigiD is also one of the requirements for you to get, and it will help you make arrangements on the government and healthcare institution's websites. If you don't belong to that category, you'll need a Visa and work permit. This is to give you access by the country's government to stay in the country and also allow you to get employment in the Netherlands. Dutch law states that non-EEA and Swiss employees must obtain a work permit irrespective of the nature of their job.

• Stay Duration

If you are in the Netherlands for less than 90 days, apply for a short-stay visa at a Dutch embassy and attach your work permit or Tewerkstellingsvergunning (TWV). Your work permit must be obtained directly from your employer alone, except in cases where you are an intermediary. If you are an intermediary, your work permit will be arranged.

If you stay more than 90 days, you'll need a residence permit and TWV. The exception of staying more than 90 days is that you or your employer can apply for GVVA, unlike TWA, through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

• Learn Dutch 

While many companies operate in English, speaking Dutch significantly improves job prospects. It gives you greater leverage and helps you stand out from the thousands of applicants.

Identifying Refugee-Friendly Employers In Maastricht 

Finding refugee-friendly employers in Maastricht is significant because you can only afford to work for organisations you are sure of. To kickstart your career in getting refugee employment in Maastricht, you must familiarise yourself with the vibrant communities of organisations, NGOs, and businesses that Maastricht boasts of. 

These communities are committed to supporting refugees in their job search.  Organisations like the Refugee Council Maastricht and the Dutch Council for Refugees provide valuable resources and support to help refugees navigate the job market. Getting refugee employment in Maastricht is achievable. You only need to be informed. So, how do you identify them? Check some of the information below to get you started:

• Research

Look for companies with a track record of hiring refugees or those with diverse workforces. Check their websites, social media, and job postings for inclusivity statements and diversity initiatives. You can follow Moovick on LinkedIn for recent job updates.

Get familiar with some notable refugee-friendly organizations 

Here are a few of them:

• Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC): MUMC is committed to diversity and inclusion. It offers various job opportunities in healthcare and research, regardless of where the refugee is from.
• Handicare is a leading provider of mobility solutions and handyman services. It actively seeks to employ refugees and offers training programs to support their career growth.
• The City of Maastricht: The municipality offers various job opportunities in public administration, social services, and more. 

Conclusion

Finding employment in Maastricht can be challenging, but refugees can flourish in this vibrant city with the proper support and resources. By understanding the job market, identifying refugee-friendly employers, and following our tips, refugees can overcome barriers and build a successful career in Maastricht. As a service provider on Moovick, we support you every step of the way. Refugee employment in Maastricht is within reach.