The implementation of a critical law aimed at curbing the exploitation of migrant workers by employment agencies has been delayed until at least January 2026. The Ministry of Social Affairs informed parliament that Justus, the implementing agency responsible for ensuring compliance with the new regulations, is not yet prepared to start its operations. Consequently, the Labor Inspectorate will likely only begin enforcing the new rules in 2027.
Jurrien Koops of the ABU, the association for temporary employment agencies, expressed disappointment over the delay. He remarked that former Minister Karien van Gennip had vigorously attempted to address the issue, referring to the exploitative practices as the work of “bastards.” Koops lamented that the law, which was expected to enhance the quality of the temporary employment sector, has now been postponed by at least a year.
The Admission to the Supply of Labor Act imposes several stringent requirements on temporary employment agencies:
Certificate of Good Conduct: Agencies must submit this certificate to demonstrate their reliability.
Deposit: A deposit of 100,000 euros is required before agencies can commence operations and recruit workers from abroad.
Legal Compliance: Agencies must prove that they pay their workers according to the law, fulfill their tax and social security obligations, and provide adequate housing.
Van Gennip had hoped that these measures would render exploitation unprofitable and improve the sector’s standards.
The delay has frustrated both trade unions and employers’ organizations. Zakaria Boufangacha, vice chairman of the trade union FNV, emphasized the necessity of the law to enforce a cultural shift among employers who utilize temporary workers. He pointed out that conditions for migrant workers have not improved since the publication of the Roemer report four years ago, which revealed widespread exploitation by employment agencies.
Jacco Vonhof of MKB Nederland, representing small- and medium-sized enterprises, also expressed his frustration, urging for immediate action rather than waiting until 2026. He advocated for more robust enforcement and additional resources for the Labor Inspectorate to prevent the continued exploitation of migrant workers.
A spokesperson for the Labor Inspectorate stated that while enforcement is the final step, initial changes must come from the sector itself. The Inspectorate plans to add 90 full-time employees to conduct more inspections when the law is enacted. In the meantime, they will continue their current efforts to address the issue.
The delay in implementing this law underscores the challenges and complexities involved in regulating the temporary employment sector. Despite the postponement, stakeholders continue to call for immediate measures to protect vulnerable migrant workers from exploitation. The Ministry of Social Affairs, the Labor Inspectorate, and various organizations must collaborate to ensure that the law’s eventual implementation effectively addresses the longstanding issues in the sector.