Elections November 22, 2023
In a closely watched election in the Netherlands, we see a transformation of the political landscape. The Dutch Election Results mean a significant change in the political climate.
After 13 years the liberal party VVD has lost many of its seats in Dutch parliament. Big winners are PVV (Party for Freedom) and newcomer NSC (New Social Contract). Also the new combined party GroenLinks/PvdA has won quite a bit.
Before election day, voters weighed in on issues ranging from climate change to economic recovery. However, a notable aspect of the election discourse was the debate surrounding immigration policies.
PVV’s view on immigration
The leader of the PVV, Geert Wilders, is well known for his outspoken views on immigration and the islam. He made many enemies, both in the Netherlands as in islamic countries by insulting the islamic religion. In the election campaign he used a much friendlier tone, but it’s not likely that he changed his opinion. So many Dutch people are afraid that many people here will not feel part of the society anymore. And Wilders – supposed that he becomes the Netherlands’ new prime minister – will face a lot of resistance both in the Netherlands and abroad.
The PVV would like to limit the number of newcomers to the Netherlands “to give back the country to the Dutch people”.
NSC’s view on immigration
The NSC is a new party, with its basis in the Christian Democratic party. Also their leader Pieter Omtzigt wants to limit the number of newcomers to the Netherlands. He wants to put a maximum number of newcomers per year in place. War refugees have to be welcomed so that means that he wants to limit the number of highly skilled migrants. His first step towards this was his (accepted) proposal to further limit the 30% ruling just before the elections.
Next steps; formation of a new government
Now that the Dutch election results are clear, the PVV will be the first party to try to form a new government. That will not be easy, due to its more or less extreme points of view in the past not all parties want to work with them. Moreover, there are many political parties represented in the ‘Second Chamber’, so it’s not easy to find a majority.
It will probably take months before a new government is installed, if possible at all.
Anywr Netherlands’s vision
We think that highly skilled employees from abroad contribute a lot to the Dutch economy. There are not enough well trained people in the Netherlands/in Europe so we must welcome highly skilled migrants from abroad. Limiting the number of highly skilled migrants will have a massive negative impact on the Dutch economy.
Also industry leaders advocate for a more open immigration policy. They are expressing concerns about the potential consequences of a shift towards a more restrictive approach. The technology and innovation sectors, which have thrived on the diverse talent pool attracted by the Netherlands’ welcoming policies, fear that a change in direction could stifle growth and innovation.
As the new government begins to take shape in the coming months, our eyes will be on the policy decisions related to immigration. The Netherlands, long considered a hub for international talent, may be at a crossroads, and the implications for highly skilled workers are poised to shape the nation’s economic landscape in the years to come.
More info
We will keep you updated on the developments. If you have any questions please do contact us at info.nl@anywr-group.com.
