rssMay 9, 2026, 11:30

New Dutch citizens finding work faster and more often: "I can now contribute"

Data from the CBS shows that refugees with residence permits in the Netherlands are finding employment significantly faster than a decade ago, with 13% working within three months. Local initiatives and business owners in Haarlem highlight the high motivation and loyalty of these newcomers as barriers to employment are slowly being removed. To further boost participation, the government is introducing entry-level 'startbanen' in regions including Amsterdam and Haarlem.

Politics Economy Business Culture Amsterdam Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

More than 76,000 rental homes have already disappeared from the market – landlords complain about affordable rent legislation

Since the introduction of the Affordable Rent Act in 2024, over 76,000 rental homes have been sold off by landlords across the Netherlands, tightening housing supply. Rental prices are simultaneously rising faster than inflation, with Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and Haarlem remaining among the most expensive areas for tenants.

No funding for Zuidasdok megaproject in new cabinet plans

The Dutch government has frozen funding for the northern part of the Zuidasdok project to prioritize the maintenance of existing national infrastructure. This decision delays one of the country's largest development projects, sparking concerns in Amsterdam over long-term economic and accessibility impacts.

Harry Styles concerts in Arena caused inflation in the Netherlands to rise

Economists from De Nederlandsche Bank have linked a series of ten concerts by Harry Styles in Amsterdam to a rise in Dutch inflation during May. The high demand from international fans led to a significant surge in hotel and ticket prices, marking an unusual impact on the national economy.

Housing, industry and nature: who gets the space along the North Sea Canal?

The Noordzeekanaal area is experiencing increasing pressure as industrial needs, new housing projects, and nature conservation compete for limited space. A new television series commemorates the canal's 150th anniversary by exploring how these different sectors coexist and evolve within the region.

New setback for housing in Amsterdam-Noord: Parliament supports preservation of Damen shipyard

Plans for a major residential development in Amsterdam-Noord are currently stalled because the Dutch parliament voted to keep the site as a protected industrial zone for the Damen shipyard. While the city government hopes to relocate the shipyard to another area to address local housing shortages, national authorities emphasize the site's importance to maritime security.