The Impact of Brexit on British Job Seekers in the Netherlands

By: Together Abroad 14-11-2016 8:23 AM
Categories: * Daily employment news,

 Following the historic — and for many — surprising decision by the UK on June 23 to leave the European Union after 43 years of membership, the situation on both sides of the English Channel has been one of supreme uncertainty. The lack of a concrete Brexit plan by the UK government following the referendum result caused initial panic in the markets, with the pound taking a sharp hit against the euro. Market uncertainty today continues to remain high. Theresa May, the new British Prime Minister, has recently hinted at a “hard Brexit”. If implemented, it would mean a complete break with the EU, including withdrawal from the Single Market. This will have consequences for UK citizens living and working in the Netherlands. As an expat jobseeker in the Netherlands, it is important that you stay informed about a rapidly changing situation.

First things first, do not panic. The UK has two years to formally negotiate its withdrawal from the EU, before Brexit becomes a reality. This process can only begin once the UK government invokes Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Theresa May has confirmed that this will happen by the end of March 2017. This means that the UK will only formally leave the EU by March 2019 at the earliest, giving potential jobseekers some breathing space.

A common fear by many Brits currently living in the Netherlands is that they will be deported following Brexit. This is unlikely. Many EU countries have significant numbers of their own citizens residing in the UK, and it would be politically difficult to deport expats without some kind of retaliation. Furthermore, there are good reasons to expect that legal protections for British citizens currently living in the EU will be maintained following Brexit. Under international law (specifically the Vienna Convention), these expats would have individual “acquired rights”. In short, this means that Britons already living in EU countries prior to Brexit can expect to keep their rights following Brexit.

If you are a UK citizen moving to the Netherlands following Brexit, and assuming freedom of movement is not maintained, you will probably not be able to benefit from the automatic right of being able to live and work in the Netherlands that you have at present. Now is the best time to make a decision of whether moving to the Netherlands is the best option for you. Brexit is fraught with uncertainty, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest developments. You can consult the UK government website, or the Dutch equivalent website.

Best of luck for current and future expats!

Adam Watson


Sources:
BBC on Brexit
The Guardian on Brexit

Photo credits: Designed by Starline / Freepik


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For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.

Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager

Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.

A. Aboufirass | Structural Engeer

Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.

Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands

S. Bhattacharjee | FP&A Manager

If you are going to enlist the services of a "Career Coach" look no further. The only person you want in your corner is Linda van Orsouw. As an expat, you absolutely want to work with a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who knows their way around the Dutch career/employment/job market. Linda assisted me in writing and positioning my CV, helped me organize and prioritize my list of opportunities, coached me through mock interviews and was there when I got offered a senior position only 2 months later. When asked I will only refer to Linda and "Togetherabroad".

Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant 

 

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