Labour market
2024
Dutch
Ukrainians on the Labour Market
Research on labour market participation, job quality, language barriers and the support needs of Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands.
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Research report
Dutch
Research team and contributors
External authors
Marjan de Gruijter · Fatima Acherrat · Tetyana Kozak
Funding partner
Instituut Gak
Summary
This report examines how Ukrainian refugees enter and experience the Dutch labour market, including job quality, skill mismatch, language barriers, care responsibilities and the role of employers and municipalities.
Key messages
01
Many Ukrainian refugees enter work quickly, but employment is often below skill level and may lack stability.
02
Language learning, childcare and recognition of prior experience remain major barriers to sustainable participation.
03
Employers, municipalities and intermediaries need clearer coordination to improve matching and working conditions.
04
A work-first approach should be balanced with opportunities for language learning, training and career development.
Why this matters
Employment is central to financial security and participation, but rapid labour-market entry does not automatically translate into long-term inclusion.
Methodology summary
Research conducted from January to November 2023, including a survey with 301 respondents, 15 focus groups with 44 participants, interviews with employers, agencies, projects, intermediaries and municipalities.
Data scope
Netherlands · January–November 2023 · 301 survey respondents · 15 focus groups · interviews with employers, agencies and municipalities
About this publication
Strategic area
Social inclusion
Primary topic
Labour market
Primary country
Netherlands
Geographic focus
Netherlands
Publication year
Document type
Research report
Language
NL
Share
topics
Labour market access
Employment rights
Skills & qualifications
Language learning
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