Knowledge migrants whose employment ends while their residence permits are valid can now remain in the Netherlands for three months following the end of their employment agreement to look for other knowledge migrant employment, regardless of the reason for the cessation of their employment.

Previously, the search period was only available to knowledge migrants who were laid off for reasons that were not their fault.

Background

The job search period allows foreign nationals to look for a new knowledge migrant job at a recognized sponsor, and starts the day on which the employment agreement is terminated. If the foreign national finds a new knowledge migrant job within the three-month period, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service will not withdraw the residence permit as long as the knowledge migrant requirements are fulfilled.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Knowledge migrants should benefit from the new rule since they can now look for a new job under their residence permit, even if they resign voluntarily.