Heads together for housing migrant workers

Noordwijkerhout, February 8, 2019 – At the Labor Migrant Housing Conference on February 7, the urgent need for housing for labor migrants was emphasized. This year, the shortage of 100,000 housing units will grow to 120,000 to 150,000 units, according to the Temporary Housing Standards Foundation, a quality mark for temporary housing, and the Flex Housing Expertise Center.

Housing shortage

For some time now, temporary employment agencies and employers have been raising concerns about the growing shortage of suitable housing for labor migrants. The tight labor market in the Netherlands means that employers need workers from other European countries. However, the increasing lack of good housing is making it difficult to attract these workers.

Practice

To date, many municipalities have been hesitant to address this problem. This hesitation is mainly due to the fear of nuisance caused by housing migrants.

However, in practice, providing housing in the form of residential complexes for labor migrants solves this problem in every way. The complexes prevent employers from being forced to house their workers privately, which prevents further shortages in the housing market.

In addition, practice shows that housing with the SNF quality mark results in a satisfied workforce. The underlying idea is that good housing actually prevents nuisance. "A safe home makes you happier, more productive, and more pleasant company," says Nico Geerlings, director of employment agency Flexible Human Services.

Putting heads together

Therefore, Nico Geerlings encourages local politicians not to hide behind a smokescreen of policy, but to think in terms of solutions. With creative thinking, both temporary and permanent residential locations can be realized. "Consider locations where housing or industrial zones will be built in the future, or vacant offices located on the border between residential and work areas. Such offices can be converted into housing for labor migrants. I am happy to assist the local government in the search for solutions."

Practical example

De Trampoline is a practical example of a residential location with the SNF quality mark. The residential complex of Flexible Human Services, which opened in 2016, offers housing to 144 labor migrants in two-person studios. The studios have their own kitchenette and bathroom. The site offers ample parking, a spacious bicycle shed, and a sports field. The manager of De Trampoline lives on the premises and is available 24/7 for residents and the surrounding area. More great practical examples can be found at http://flexwonen.nl/praktijkvoorbeelden/.