The number of work permits for asylum seekers who are waiting to be granted residential status has doubled in less than a year, figures from state benefits agency UWV have shown.

During the whole of 2023, some 1840 permits were issued compared to 7370 up to November this year. Most of the refugees work via jobs agencies and in the restaurant and cleaning business.

Until the end of last year, asylum seekers awaiting a residency permit were only allowed to work up to 24 weeks a year, but the Council of State ruled that if the wait is longer than six months they can work all year round, provided they have a BSN number and their employer organises a work permit.

“More employers are realising that asylum seekers would make good employees. They are also very motivated,” director of the UWV Judith Duveen told the Telegraaf. “The work will help asylum seekers to integrate. And if they get a residency permit they will have work experience,” she said.

One in five work permits were issued for cleaning work. One in 10 permits were for work via jobs agencies. Another 10% of asylum seekers did production work, 8% worked in restaurant kitchens and 8% worked in warehouses.

“These are low-paid jobs, and for highly trained asylum seekers that may be difficult. But for technicians and nurses, for example, it takes a while to check their diplomas. And sometimes extra training is needed,” Duveen said.

Long waiting lists for social security numbers (BSN) are an additional problem for employers and asylum seekers, with or without a residency permit. In October, some 18,000 refugees were on the waiting list for a BSN, without which it is virtually impossible to open a bank account, take out health insurance, start a college course or work.

The COA refugee agency is to start pilot projects to speed up the process in several local councils while the UWV has shortened the time it takes to issue a work permit from 32 days to a couple of days, Duveen said.

Accommodation remains an obstacle for refugees wanting to work. Asylum seekers have to move an average of three times during the time it takes to acquire a residency permit, while those already in possession are facing long waiting lists for housing.

Refugees who already have a residency permit are also finding it hard to combine work with the obligatory integration course, a recent study found.