That half of all temporary agency workers in the Netherlands come from abroad is not a temporary trend. In sectors such as logistics, food production, engineering and construction, international labor has been indispensable for years, as domestic labor supply falls structurally short while demand continues to grow. Labor migration is therefore an economic reality. What is consistently underestimated, according to Frank van Gool of Kafra Housing, is the housing demand that is directly linked to this development.
Undesirable practices
"Migrant workers come to work, but they also need a place to live," Van Gool explains. "If housing is not organized at the same time, predictable problems arise, such as overcrowding, pressure on neighborhoods and tensions between residents."
In practice, this leads to undesirable situations, including the subdivision of single-family homes into multiple rooms. These homes are originally intended for starters and families. Such practices increase pressure on the regular housing market and undermine liveability in neighborhoods, with consequences for the workers, local residents and municipalities alike.
According to Van Gool, the current housing market cannot absorb this additional pressure. Adding migrant workers to the regular housing stock further increases scarcity and is not a sustainable solution. This is particularly true for the large group of short-stay migrant workers who work in the Netherlands temporarily, often for only a few months. Long-term registration in the regular housing market is illogical for this group, while decent accommodation is essential.
Separate housing chain
"The solution lies in developing a separate, well-regulated housing chain," Van Gool states. This should include large-scale, high-quality short-stay locations, transition facilities and seasonal housing, with clear standards for space, management and liveability. "This prevents the subdivision of homes, relieves pressure on neighborhoods and creates clarity for all parties involved."
Responsibility, he emphasizes, is shared. Employers who rely on migrant workers, professional housing providers who develop and manage accommodation, municipalities that facilitate economic development, and the national government, which sets and enforces the regulatory framework, all have a role to play.
"Countries that organize this well are more attractive to both workers and businesses," Van Gool concludes. "In an ageing Europe, proper housing is not a side issue, but a prerequisite for economic continuity and social stability."
Source: Kafra Housing
