As of 1 November 2024, 59% of Ukrainian refugees aged 15 to 65 were employed in the Netherlands. This indicates an increase in employment compared to the same period last year, when the figure was 55%. These data were published by the Central Bureau of Statistics of the Netherlands (CBS).
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After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine at the end of February 2022, Ukrainians who arrived in the Netherlands were granted the right to work without the need to obtain a work permit. This gives them a special status compared to other migrants from outside the EU and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
The highest employment rate was recorded among people aged 25-45 — 63%. Among young people aged 15-25, this figure is lower at 50%. Men and women had the same employment rate — 59%.
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Most Ukrainian refugees work in temporary positions or in flexible forms of employment. In particular, 38% are employed through employment agencies, 24% work on call, and 29% have other temporary contracts. Full-time employment (35 hours or more per week) is held by 53% of Ukrainians, while another 15% work 30 to 35 hours.
Half of employed Ukrainians work in business services, including employment agencies. A significant share is also involved in trade, transport, and hospitality (32%).
In 2022-2023, there was a decline in the share of people employed through employment agencies, but this trend stabilised in 2024. In addition, the number of employees who received permanent contracts increased: while in 2023 they accounted for 5%, in 2024 they already accounted for 9%.
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