Highly Skilled Migrants Relocation: Why Family Matters

Relocating highly skilled migrants is a strategic move for many companies looking to enhance their global talent pool. However, it’s crucial to remember that these professionals often bring their families along. Ensuring a smooth transition for the employee and their dependents is vital for their well-being and productivity. This article explores why considering family in the relocation process is essential and how your organization can support this integration.

Understanding the Needs of Highly Skilled Migrants

When highly skilled migrants consider relocating, they’re looking for more than just a job. They seek better career opportunities, a higher quality of life, and avenues for personal growth. But there’s another crucial aspect influencing their decision: the well-being and happiness of their families.

Imagine you’re a top professional moving to a new country. You’re excited about the career prospects, but you’re also concerned about how your family will adapt. Will your spouse find a fulfilling job? Will your children settle into a good school? Will your family feel at home in this new environment? These are the questions that highly skilled migrants grapple with.

For companies aiming to attract and retain top talent, acknowledging these concerns is key. When businesses offer comprehensive support that goes beyond the professional sphere—such as helping with family integration, finding suitable schools, and providing spousal support—they not only enhance the relocation experience but also boost overall employee satisfaction. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported, knowing their families’ needs are also being taken care of.

By addressing these broader aspects of relocation, companies can make a significant difference in the lives of their employees, leading to a more committed and content workforce. After all, when families thrive, so do their careers.

The Dutch Approach to Highly Skilled Migrants and Their Families

In the Netherlands, there is an extensive infrastructure to let highly skilled migrants feel supported, one of them is recognizing the importance of integrating their families into the community.

These are the main points from the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme:

• Residence Permit: Highly skilled migrants ( for all countries except EU countries) planning to move with their families to the Netherlands must apply for an MVV (entry visa) and/or a residence permit for each family member. Only employers recognized by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) can apply for a residence permit for the highly skilled migrant.
• Same Residence Status: Family members of highly skilled migrants receive the same residence status as the highly skilled migrant. This means partners are also exempt from the TWV (work permit) requirement.
• Work Rights: The Dutch policies value the importance of family integration for highly skilled professionals. Therefore, spouses or partners of these migrants are allowed to work without any restrictions.
• Family Definition: For migration, a family member includes a spouse, registered partner, unmarried partner, and any minor children.
• Application Process: Different rules apply depending on whether the family arrives in the Netherlands together with the migrant or joins later. Under the Highly Skilled Migrants Scheme, family members can be included in the initial application or added at a later date.

The Role of HR and Talent Teams

HR and talent teams play a crucial role in facilitating a smooth relocation process for highly skilled migrants and their families. Here’s how they can support:

Support Strategies:

• Early Discussions: Engage in early discussions about family needs during the hiring process.
• Assistance with Paperwork: Help with the application process for MVV and residence permits.
• Orientation Programs: Provide orientation programs that include information about family integration, schools, healthcare, and community resources.
• Continuous Support: Offer ongoing support to address any issues the family might face after relocation.

By providing comprehensive support to the families, HR teams can ensure a positive relocation experience, leading to higher retention rates and better job performance.

Fostering a More Engaged and Productive Workforce

Organizations must consider the specific requirements and concerns of the families of highly skilled immigrants when recruiting and relocating international talent. The Netherlands’ favorable immigration policies, including support for family integration, contribute to making the country an attractive destination for skilled professionals.

However, HR teams need to proactively engage in addressing the unique challenges faced by relocating families to ensure a successful and smooth transition process. This may involve providing comprehensive support services, facilitating access to essential resources, and offering personalized assistance to meet the diverse needs of the employees and their families.

This approach not only benefits the employees but also contributes to the overall success of the organization.

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