Save the date, 11 June: conference EMN Netherlands ’Labour migration towards the Netherlands and the EU: solution, challenge, or necessity?’

Mark your calendar for the annual national conference of EMN Netherlands, taking place this year on 11 June in The Hague. Dutch and European experts will explore the opportunities, challenges, and needs that can arise from labour migration policies — both to address labour market shortages and as a tool to reduce irregular migration.

Date – 11 June 2025, 11.30-18.00 (including lunch, drinks)
Location – Sociëteit De Witte, Plein 24, Den Haag
Organisation - EMN Netherlands
Language - English
Registration link - Will follow soon

The Dutch labour market is facing significant and structural shortages across various sectors. Labour migration, including from outside the EU/EEA, may be part of the solution. Yet it also raises significant challenges, including potential risks of exploitation and increased pressure on housing and other essential services. 

Balancing economic needs with social concerns is critical, and this requires exploring a range of potential policies that could effectively address both challenges. Additionally, for some EU Member States, labour migration can also serve as a tool to manage irregular migration flows, providing a structured and controlled pathway for migration while reducing the risks associated with undocumented migration.

Focus conference

This conference will explore the role labour migration might play in addressing labour market shortages in the Netherlands and the broader European context, while considering both the benefits and the challenges it brings. We will look at case studies and delve into concrete examples from other EU Member States, and explore various approaches to managing labour migration. Policymakers and experts will engage in this dialogue to examine the diverse policy choices that might shape the future of labour migration policies. 

The discussions will be framed by the preliminary results from the EMN study 'Labour migration in times of labour shortages' (to be published mid-June), the recent recommendations from the State Commission on Demographic Developments, the Advisory Council on Migration, as well as the ambition of the Dutch government to put in place a more selective labour migration policy. 

Preliminary programme 

11.30-12.30 | Lunch, reception (registration opens at 11:00)

12.30-12.35 | Welcome
12.35-13.00 | Opening
13.00-13.10 | Presentation preliminary results EMN Study 'Labour migration in times of labour shortages'
13.10-14.10 | Case studies across  Europe: ‘Variations in labour migration policy approaches’

14.10-14.30 | Break

14.30-15.15 | Interactive session: ‘Employers’ perspective: labour migration, necessity or strategic development?’
15.15-16.15 | Expert panel ‘Rethinking labour migration: preparing for the future? 
16.15-16.30 | Closing remarks

16.30-18.00 | Drinks

More information about the programme and registration will follow soon.