International Workers in West Maas en Waal
In our region, international workers (migrant workers) are a vital part of a healthy economy. Many employers rely on them because they would otherwise be unable to find staff. The demand for international workers is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
How can we ensure a good and safe living environment for these people that also fits in with the social fabric and quality of life in our community? We shouldn’t just come up with policies from behind a desk; we need to involve everyone concerned from the very beginning.
Working together on an action plan
Together with a diverse group of entrepreneurs, residents, and organizations, we developed an action plan for international workers in West Maas en Waal. We firmly believe that only by working together can we arrive at sound and practical solutions. By pooling all our knowledge, experience, ideas, and ambitions, we collaborated on a joint action plan. This is an inspiring example of how we tackle complex social issues. The council approved this plan on October 10, 2024.
Who helped develop this plan?
- Jeroen van Doremalen (Dorvar)
- John Kusters (ZLTO)
- Rien Boschman (Veesteeg Business Park)
- Arno van Kruijsbergen (resident)
- Jorie van Beuningen (resident)
- Anja Valckx (Sociom)
- Petra Janssen (De Kernen)
- Marieke van den Boom (Alderman)
We developed this plan through a series of workshops involving a wide range of stakeholders who are directly or indirectly involved with international workers. These included business owners, employers, business advocacy groups (ZLTO, FNO, Veesteeg Business Park), staffing agencies, landlords and housing brokers, current and former international workers, the Municipal Health Service (GGD), the community police officer, and local residents.
The action plan is currently being further developed.