Netherlands: Work Permit Exemption for Japanese Nationals Ends in October

The current exemption allowing Japanese nationals to work in the Netherlands without formal work authorization will end October 1, 2016. After this deadline, Japanese workers will need to obtain work permits prior to engaging in work activities or assignments in the country.

The current work permit exemption for Japanese nationals is a result of a December 24, 2014 ruling by the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State, the highest Dutch immigration court.  The court based that ruling on the 1913 Treaty of Commerce and Navigation signed between the Netherlands and Japan wherein Japan was given “most-favored nation” status. The court then compared that treaty to the similar Dutch-Swiss Friendship Treaty of 1875 which had been interpreted to exempt citizens of Switzerland from the Netherland’s work permit requirement since 2001. It then reasoned that the same exemption must apply to Japanese citizens.
Thus, for the past two years, Japanese nationals have enjoyed the same work status as citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. Under the current regulations, citizens of Japan living and working in the Netherlands need only obtain a Dutch residence permit for stays longer than 90 days.

What's Changed?

On June 21st, prompted by a related Dutch Foreign Ministry “interpretation statement” regarding the Dutch-Swiss treaty, the Immigration and Naturalisation Department (IND) issued its own announcement that Japanese nationals would no longer be exempt from the work permit process under the treaty with Japan. Hence, after October 1st Japanese nationals will be required to obtain a work permit from the Dutch Labor Office, (UWV), prior to beginning work in the Netherlands.
For Japanese nationals already working in the Netherlands without a work permit, transitional arrangements will permit Japanese nationals currently holding valid residence permits to continue working in the Netherlands without a work permit during the remainder of their current residence permit period. However, when the residence permit comes up for renewal, they will have to obtain the necessary work permit.
It should be noted though that the Council of State will still have the opportunity to adjudicate the constitutionality of the treaty interpretation by the Foreign Ministry. If the Council of State should disagree with the Foreign Ministry’s interpretation, it is possible that the IND could be forced to re-examine its decision to eliminate the work permit exemption. Legal analysts are hopeful for a final judgment by the Dutch court within the next two months to bring some legal certainty. Pro-Link GLOBAL is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as developments come to light.

---

More articles related to Immigration to Japan and the Netherlands:

• Netherlands – More entry visa (MVV) exemptions
• Pro-Link GLOBAL Immigration Dispatch: UK, India and The Netherlands
• More immigration news from Japan and the Netherlands on the Pro-Link Global Blog
• More questions over 'Abenomics' as Japan returns to recession

---

How These Changes Affect You

Japanese nationals beginning work in the Netherlands on or after October 1, 2016 must obtain a TWV (tewerkstellingsvergunning) work permit from the Dutch Labor Office (UWV), prior to starting work.
Japanese nationals currently working in the Netherlands without a TWV work permit, but with a valid residence permit, may continue to work for the remaining duration of their current residence permit, but must apply for and obtain the work permit when their residence permit comes up for renewal.
Employers planning Japanese employee moves to the Netherlands in the next several months may want to consider moving quickly but cautiously so as to have the employee establish residency and begin work prior to October 1st. As requirements and practices are in a state of change right now, Japanese employees and their employers in the Netherlands should remain in close communication with their Pro-Link GLOBAL Immigration Specialists well ahead of any changes in employment or residency.
Caveat Lector | Warning to Reader
This is provided as informational only and does not substitute for actual legal advice based on the specific circumstances of a matter. We would like to remind you that Immigration laws are fluid and can change at a moment's notice without any warning. Please reach out to your immigration specialist or your client relations manager at Pro-Link GLOBAL should you require any additional clarification. This alert was prepared by your Pro-Link GLOBAL Knowledge Management team.
Information contained in this Global Brief is prepared using information obtained from various media outlets, government publications and our KGNM immigration professionals. Written permission from the copyright owner and any other rights holders must be obtained for any reuse of any content posted or published by Pro-Link GLOBAL that extends beyond fair use or other statutory exemptions.
Furthermore, responsibility for the determination of the copyright status and securing permission rests with those persons wishing to reuse the materials. Interested parties are welcome to contact the Knowledge Management Department (km@pro-linkglobal.com) with any additional requests for information or to request reproduction of this material.
Visit us at: www.pro-linkglobal.com – Email us at: info@pro-linkglobal.com – Call us at: 1877 PLG 8754


 Hier gevonden: http://www.relocatemagazine.com/news/immigration-netherlands-work-permit-exemption-for-japanese-nationals-ends-in-october-pro-link-global


Interessant artikel? Deel het eens met uw netwerk en help mee met het verspreiden van de bekendheid van dit blog. Er staan wellicht nog meer artikelen op dit weblog die u zullen boeien. Kijk gerust eens rond. Zelf graag wat willen plaatsen? Mail dan webmaster@vreemdelingenrecht.com In verband met geldwolven die denken geld te kunnen claimen op krantenartikelen die op een blog als deze worden geplaatst maar na meestal een dag voor de krantenlezers aan leeswaardigheid hebben ingeboet terwijl wij vreemdelingenrecht specialisten ze soms wel nog jaren gebruiken om er een kopie van te maken voor een zaak ga ik over tot het plaatsen van alleen het eerste stukje. Ja ik weet het: de kans dat u doorklikt is geringer dan wanneer het hele artikel hier staat en een kopie van het orgineel maken handig kan zijn voor uw zaak. Wilt u zelf wat overnemen van dit weblog. Dat mag. Zet er alleen even een link bij naar het desbetreffende artikel zodat mensen niet alleen dat wat u knipt en plakt kunnen lezen maar dat ook kunnen doen in de context.



Subscribe to Vreemdelingenrecht.com blog by Email