Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024: population stable, immigration up

photo: Pixabay

Saturday, May 24, 2025
by:       Nicoletta Pisanu

In the first quarter of 2025, the Netherlands’ population increased by nearly 21.000 reaching almost 18.1 million, according to CBS Statistics Netherlands.

This growth, consistent with the same period last year, was entirely due to net migration, which added almost 31.000 people. However, the Dutch population saw a natural decrease of about 10.000, as deaths outnumbered births.

In Q1 2025, immigration to the Netherlands rose to 79.000 from 75.000 a year earlier, while emigration stayed stable at just under 49.000

Syrians made up the largest group of new residents in the Netherlands.

Net migration from EU countries to the Netherlands continued to decline.

Netherlands launches fund for foreign scientists

photo: Pixabay

Saturday, May 24, 2025
by:       Nicoletta Pisanu

According to an official statement of the Government of the Netherlands released in March, Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins announced plans to attract top international scientists to the Netherlands, regardless of their nationality, to continue their research in the country. In a letter to the House of Representatives, he emphasized the importance of welcoming researchers seeking new opportunities amid global tensions.

He has tasked the Dutch Research Council with launching a program to bring leading scientists to the country as soon as possible and to offer them financial support.

Dutch towns limit number of migrant workers

photo: Pixabay

Saturday, May 24, 2025
by:       Nicoletta Pisanu

While most Dutch municipalities do not limit the number of migrant workers, a growing number are introducing or considering such rules. According to an EenVandaag survey among 157 municipalities, thirteen have already set caps, and eleven more are debating the idea.

In 2020, only three municipalities had set such limits. Municipalities like Peel en Maas have implemented a percentage-based cap on migrant workers, while Zaltbommel has set a hard cap of 2.000 workers. Most municipalities, 142, do not set limits on migrant workers.

Volunteerism soars among Dutch families

photo: Pixabay

Saturday, May 24, 2025
by:       Nicoletta Pisanu

According to a statement published in May 2025 related to the CBS Social Cohesion and Wellbeing survey, conducted among 7.500 individuals aged 15 years or older, in 2024, 50 percent of Dutch adults participated in volunteer work in the past twelve months. This marks a slight increase compared to previous years, 49 percent.

People most frequently volunteer with:

• sports clubs,
• hobby clubs,
• neighborhood or school activities.

In contrast, involvement in labor or political organizations and refugee agencies is much lower. Social assistance activities, like working at food banks, are mentioned less often but have seen an increase in recent years.

The Hague hosts welcome event for newcomers

View across the Hofvijver (‘Court Pond’) of the Binnenhof (‘Inner Court’) complex, the historical political center of the Netherlands, in the heart of The Hague, with The Torentje (‘Little Tower’) on the left — the office of Dutch prime ministers. Built and gradually expanded since the year 1230, the Binnenhof is among the oldest parliament buildings in the world still in use and the oldest complex in The Hague. Photo: Pixabay

Saturday, May 24, 2025
by:       Nicoletta Pisanu

On Tuesday, June 10, The Hague International Centre will host a special “Welcome to The Hague” event aimed at helping newcomers to the city, including expats, international professionals, and their families, settle in and connect with local communities.

This event is part of ongoing efforts to support foreign nationals and provide them with resources, including language support, cultural integration services, and practical advice on living and working in the Netherlands.

RTV Discus’ Expaterience team will attend the event too.