This article covers a very important topic: highly skilled migrants and unemployment. What are the regulations if unemployment hits and you wish to stay in the Netherlands?
New regulation
The aim of The Dutch government is to keep talent in the country. Therefore they changed an important regulation concerning unemployment. The previous rule was that highly skilled migrants would only be entitled to the job search period of three months if the employer initiated the termination of the labour contract. The new regulation is that, regardless who is responsible for the termination of the labour contract, three months search period applies. Very important to keep in mind! The job search period starts on the day of the termination of the employment contract. Not on the last day of the actual work.
This means that, regardless of reason, you have 3 months time to find another job as a highly skilled migrant, should you become unemployed. The new rule may easen your decision to quit a job. Considering you are a highly skilled migrant, you probably have a good education and valuable work experience. This will increase the chances to find another, perhaps even better fitting job. Please be aware that your new employer needs to be (or become) a recognised sponsor for the immigration services and that the salary requirement will stay intact.
Your former employer will have to inform the IND that you will leave/have left the company. The new employer will have to notify the IND that you have signed a contract there.
The new regulation will make it easier for you to stay in the Netherlands, even after giving up your job.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you require more information on this or any other (immigration) subject.
