A PvdA plan to require all “expats” in Amsterdam to go through a formal introduction to “becoming an Amsterdammer” needs a new name, should be funded by industry and cannot be made compulsory, according to city social affairs chief Sofyan Mbarki.

The plan was launched by PvdA councillor Lian Heinhuis in March. She told a council meeting on Wednesday that the aim of the proposal is to build connections between different groups in society.

The programme would include language lessons, an introduction to sports and other clubs, an introduction to volunteering and lessons about the city’s history, culture and traditions.

“It is important to me and my party that Amsterdam is a city in which… people know each other, that neighbours greet each other and there is a feeling of being part of the same community,” Heinhuis said.

The council, she said, should “make agreements with Amsterdam companies which employ expats in which they commit to ensuring this group of new Amsterdammers complete the programme”.

Diversity

In the council’s official response Mbarki points out that the term “expat” does not cover the “enormous diversity among internationals and in their income”. The name of the programme “Amsterdammerschap voor Expats” is therefore unfortunate and should be changed, he said.

Mbarki also highlighted the fact that international workers currently account for more than 20% of those signing up at the city’s volunteer work agency and that some companies already give their staff time off work to do voluntary work.

“There are many examples of how big companies and knowledge institutes are supporting their international staff in their integration into Amsterdam society,” he said.

Much of this happens via IN Amsterdam, the city’s special agency where newcomers can register for a BSN and find out more about living in the capital.

One option the council could take, he said, is to research if IN Amsterdam could develop an “onboarding” programme for international workers and their partners.
“We cannot require companies to make sure their staff take part, but we can make it as attractive as possible for them to do so, such as by awarding them a certificate,” he said.

Heinhuis has now pledged to amend her proposal to take the council’s comments into account. The revised version will be debated on December 11.

Dutch News has reached out to Heinhuis for comment.