Good News: Employers May Soon Pay for Your Dutch Lessons
If you are an international worker in the Netherlands, there may soon be good news for you. The Advisory Council on Migration — an independent body that advises the Dutch government — has suggested new measures to help migrant employees settle more successfully. Their main message: employers should pay for Dutch language lessons and give workers time to attend them, even during working hours.
Why Dutch lessons are important
Learning Dutch is one of the biggest challenges for many international employees. Without the language, it can feel difficult to connect with colleagues, make friends locally, or understand your rights at work. The council points out that many migrant workers don’t just come to the Netherlands for a short period — a large number end up staying:
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34% of EU workers remain in the Netherlands after five years.
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50% of non-EU workers also stay beyond five years.
This means many migrant workers are building their futures here, and better Dutch language skills could make a huge difference in daily life and career opportunities. According to the council, “A better understanding of Dutch is essential for migrant workers to use their skills and qualifications effectively and for their further career development.”
What the council is asking for
The proposal goes further than just language classes. It is part of a broader plan called a National Coexistence Programme, which would bring together the government, municipalities, employers, and social organisations to improve integration. The main ideas include:
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Free or employer-paid Dutch lessons for migrant workers.
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Time during working hours so employees can actually attend lessons.
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Clearer, simpler communication about your rights and obligations as a worker.
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Better support for career growth, so that migrants can use their skills fully.
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More opportunities for interaction between Dutch and international workers, such as community events or workplace activities.
The council also suggested local councils set up physical meeting points where internationals can get information and join activities that are open to everyone, not only to migrants.
Support from politics and government
Several Dutch political parties — including PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB — have already said they agree with the idea that companies should encourage workers to learn Dutch. The Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, Eddy van Hijum, has also spoken in favor of this kind of plan. He explained that if more migrant workers learn Dutch and feel at home in the Netherlands, they are more likely to stay. This, in turn, helps reduce worker shortages in many sectors.
The government has already taken steps in this direction earlier in 2025 by adding language requirements to a new integration plan. This new advice from the council could push the plans further, placing more responsibility on employers to support their international staff.
What this could mean for you
If these recommendations are accepted, you as a migrant worker could:
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Take Dutch lessons paid for by your employer.
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Learn Dutch during working hours, not only in your free time.
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Receive clear information about your job rights and obligations in a language you understand.
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Get more chances to develop your career and move into better positions.
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Feel more included, both at work and in your community.
Bottom line
The Netherlands relies heavily on international employees — around 1 in 10 workers in the country is a labour migrant. Since so many stay longer than expected, the government and employers are being asked to do more to help migrants settle. If these proposals are adopted, learning Dutch may no longer be your personal struggle or expense, but something your employer helps you with — making life and work in the Netherlands much easier.
✅ In short: The Dutch government is being advised to make employers pay for Dutch lessons and give you time to take them. This could open the door to better jobs, easier daily life, and a stronger sense of belonging.
