Knowledge center for migrant workers in formation

For twenty years Frank van Gool and Karolina Swoboda, founders of the Limburg-based temporary employment agency Otto Work Force, have been active in the field of labor migration. During these years they repeatedly encountered the need for factual data and background information on this subject. That is why they took the initiative to set up the new Knowledge Centre for Labour Migrants.

Digital desk

The basis for the Expertise Centre for Labour Migrants is in Venlo. This is where the digital desk is being developed where politicians, companies, journalists and citizens can ask their questions about labour migration.

According to the initiators, labor migration is a relevant economic and social development that is getting higher and higher on the political agenda. Although more companies (want or have to) work with labor migrants, factual knowledge on the subject lags behind. "Precise figures on the numbers are lacking and we know little about the origin, motives and length of stay of the migrant worker," said van Gool.

Imaging

The center focuses on five themes: working, living, culture, integration and legislation. In addition to providing knowledge in these areas, it is hoped to objectify the perception of migrant workers. Bart Verlegh, secretary of the foundation-in-residence behind the Expertise Centre for Labour Migrants, says: "There are many prejudices. Both about the workers who come here and about the employers who hire them."

Independent board

To ensure independence, the knowledge center will have a broad-based board. This month representatives of temporary employment umbrella ABU, employers association VNO/NCW, agricultural organization LTO and the Expertise Centre Flexwonen must be appointed.

The nine-member board also wants to conduct its own studies. "For example, we want to know how many labor migrants there are in the Netherlands now. Nobody knows that," says Van Gool. "Also, we want to know how many labor migrants will be needed in the future."

Source: Otto Work Force, Dagblad de Limburger