Offering volunteer work and paid work
Employing newcomers can have a lot of advantages for a company. For instance, newcomers are known for their great perseverance. Would you like to offer residents of a reception centre volunteer work, a work placement, an internship, or paid employment in your organisation? We are happy to explore the options with you.
Doing volunteer work outside the reception centre
Asylum seekers are allowed to do volunteer work. This doesn't require a work permit for third-country nationals (TWV). For example, work in a community centre or taking the elderly for walks. This allows them to get work experience, learn the language, and connect with Dutch people. They discuss the options to participate in the neighbourhood with their case manager, and look for vacancies at the 'participation desk' in the reception centre.
Statement of volunteering
When asylum seekers don't have a residence permit yet, the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) assesses whether the work that is being carried out is indeed volunteer work: the work is usually unpaid, the organisation operates on a non-profit basis, and the work benefits society. For this, the organisation must request a statement of volunteering from the UWV.
Self-reliance: doing volunteer work in the reception centre
Residents can also do volunteer work in the reception centre, also called 'self-reliance'. For example cleaning the common areas, maintaining the buildings or garden, or supervising the open learning centre. This can be done up to 25 hours a week. Asylum seekers receive a small payment for their voluntary work: € 0.56 to € 1.10 per hour, with a € 14 cap per week.
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© Inge van Mill
Doing paid work during stay in the reception centre
Status holders have the same rights and obligations as Dutch citizens and are allowed to work full time. Asylum seekers without a residence permit may do paid work 24 weeks a year. Employers must have a work permit for third-country nationals (TWV) to employ asylum seekers. The Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) will issue this permit if an asylum application process has lasted at least 6 months.
The COA then deducts the money residents earn from the weekly allowance, according to the Reba regulation. Residents who want to work must find a job themselves. The COA brings residents into contact with employers, but we do not act as an intermediary. Residents can, however, ask us for advice about writing a curriculum vitae.
Participation case managers: finding vacancies
The COA employs 12 participation case managers. They support the reception centres in their region and find volunteer jobs, for instance at sports clubs, volunteer organisations and care institutions. These are preferably activities status holders can continue to do when they move to a municipality.
