The Netherlands, which has traditionally attracted migrants from all over the world, continues to show a steady increase in the number of foreigners on its territory. This growth is driven by both the country’s economic potential and a well-developed social security system. Let’s look at the main groups of migrants, their role in the economy, and demographic trends related to migration.
As of the beginning of 2025, the population of the Netherlands is about 18 million people. According to official data, about 25% of the country’s population is of migrant origin (including the first and second generation of migrants). In recent years, direct population growth due to migration has consistently exceeded 100 thousand people annually.
Several groups can be distinguished in the structure of migrants.
Migrants from the European Union
The largest share of migrants is made up of citizens of EU countries, in particular Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. Polish migrants, whose number exceeds 200,000, occupy leading positions, especially in agriculture, construction, and logistics.
Middle East and Africa
Migrants from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and North Africa make up a significant group. Many of them came to the Netherlands as refugees. The number of Syrians in the country is estimated at almost 100 thousand people. The main focus is on their integration through vocational training and language learning programs.
Migrants from Turkey and Morocco
Traditional migration communities in the Netherlands include Turks and Moroccans, many of whom moved in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, they number around 400 thousand people (each group) and play an important role in small businesses and services.
South Asia
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of migrants from India and Pakistan, who work mainly in the IT sector and other highly skilled industries. The number of Indians has exceeded 50,000, and this group demonstrates significant potential for the country’s economic growth.
Latin America and the Caribbean
Former colonies of the Netherlands, such as Suriname, Curacao and Aruba, have had a strong historical influence on migration flows. Citizens of these territories have easier access to the country, making them a significant group.
Ukrainians
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, the number of Ukrainian migrants has increased dramatically. As of the end of 2024, there are, according to various estimates, 70 to 100 thousand Ukrainian citizens in the Netherlands. They are actively engaged in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics.
Over the past ten years, the population of the Netherlands has grown by almost 1.2 million people. The main factor behind this growth is migration. While in the early 2010s, population growth was driven by both natural increase and migration, in recent years the contribution of migrants has become dominant. Significant changes in the structure of the population are also observed by age categories. Migrants from youth groups (18-35 years old) significantly reduce the problem of aging of the nation, which is acute for many European countries. Migrants play an important role in such industries as:
By 2030, experts predict a further increase in the number of migrants, due to both the ongoing inflow of labor migrants and global challenges such as climate change and international conflicts. The Netherlands remains one of the most open countries in Europe, able to integrate foreigners effectively.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/analiz-mihratsii-ta-hrup-mihrantiv-u-ni/
