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Accelerated work permit procedure for sectors with shortages

News item | 16-03-2004

Employers in sectors or occupations facing a demonstrable shortage of employees will soon be able to acquire work permits more quickly for people from central and eastern Europe.

The Centre for Work and Income (CWI), the body responsible for granting work permits, can also agree arrangements with sectors facing a potential labour shortage. This may result in the introduction of an accelerated procedure for work permit applications, provided the sector has itself actively sought to resolve the shortage.

The CWI will determine which sectors may apply the procedure, initially for a period of three months. This period may be extended. The CWI will announce in mid-April which sectors will qualify as of 1 May.

Using the accelerated procedure, the CWI will be able to deal with permit applications within a maximum of two weeks. The CWI and the employer will not be required, as under the normal procedure, to look first for a Dutch or other EU national who is able to fill the vacancy in question.