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Key Challenges to the Dutch Civic Integration Act 2021 in the Netherlands
Name (Student number) & Name (Student number)
Study, University
201800294: Key challenges to the welfare state: Social policy and social change
Teacher
Date
Word count: 3860
, 2
Introduction
Dutch Civic Integration Act 2021 is an important form of policy in the development of the
welfare state. The welfare state seeks to balance economic productivity, social solidarity, inclusiveness
and security (Pommer, 2000). This act restructured migration procedures to modernise the inflow and
integration of migrants. In doing so, it pays particular attention to increasing labour market demand due
to global mobility (Rijksoverheid, n.d.). The act seeks to make application processes of migrant workers
and asylum seekers efficient (Rijksoverheid, n.d.).
Because of major demographic and labour market shifts, the Dutch Civic Integration Act is
relevant. With an ageing population and labour shortage, efficient immigration is essential to support
economic growth (Borjas, 2019). In addition, war has broken out in Ukraine in 2022, bringing many
asylum seekers to the Netherlands (OECD, 2022). At the same time, public debate remains polarised.
For instance, there are major concerns about social cohesion, housing shortages and social pressures
(Albada et al., 2021). Studying this act can help understand how modern European welfare states deal
with current social changes.
Some strengths of the act include increased language requirements for migrants, municipal
involvement in integration and an educational route for young newcomers (Rijksoverheid, n.d.). Critics,
however, point out that the policy does not sufficiently break with the current system and adds too many
obligations, requirements and sanctions (Nissen & De Waal, 2021). These tensions show why the
structural challenges of this policy need to be examined.
The two most pressing challenges for this act are post-industrialisation and migration. Post-
industrialisation has affected the labour market in Western Europe in a way that has increased the
demand for highly skilled workers (Bonoli, 2007). This shift increases pressure on immigration systems
designed on the basis of industrial paradigms (Bonoli, 2007). This has the effect of limiting integration
of migrants with varying skill levels (Pierson, 2001). Migration creates challenges in terms of policy
adaptability, public perception, social cohesion and capacity of welfare institutions (Castles et al.,
2014).
Other challenges such as technological change, ageing and gender dynamics are less relevant
for this act. Ageing increases labour migration demand, but this is already incorporated into broader
policies (Dutch Advisory Council on Migration, 2022). Technological changes also influence labour
market demand, but the effects on immigration policy are indirect (Van Stiphout-Kramer et al., 2024).
Finally, gender is not a central issue in immigration law.
, 3
Analysing the Dutch Civic Integration Act 2021 in light of the structural challenges post-
industrialisation and migration can offer insights into the shifting movement between integration policy
and the welfare state. This act highlights the ongoing tensions between economic necessity and social
inclusion. This is a central dilemma facing post-industrial societies across Europe.
Key Challenges to the Dutch Civic Integration Act 2021 in the Netherlands
Name (Student number) & Name (Student number)
Study, University
201800294: Key challenges to the welfare state: Social policy and social change
Teacher
Date
Word count: 3860
, 2
Introduction
Dutch Civic Integration Act 2021 is an important form of policy in the development of the
welfare state. The welfare state seeks to balance economic productivity, social solidarity, inclusiveness
and security (Pommer, 2000). This act restructured migration procedures to modernise the inflow and
integration of migrants. In doing so, it pays particular attention to increasing labour market demand due
to global mobility (Rijksoverheid, n.d.). The act seeks to make application processes of migrant workers
and asylum seekers efficient (Rijksoverheid, n.d.).
Because of major demographic and labour market shifts, the Dutch Civic Integration Act is
relevant. With an ageing population and labour shortage, efficient immigration is essential to support
economic growth (Borjas, 2019). In addition, war has broken out in Ukraine in 2022, bringing many
asylum seekers to the Netherlands (OECD, 2022). At the same time, public debate remains polarised.
For instance, there are major concerns about social cohesion, housing shortages and social pressures
(Albada et al., 2021). Studying this act can help understand how modern European welfare states deal
with current social changes.
Some strengths of the act include increased language requirements for migrants, municipal
involvement in integration and an educational route for young newcomers (Rijksoverheid, n.d.). Critics,
however, point out that the policy does not sufficiently break with the current system and adds too many
obligations, requirements and sanctions (Nissen & De Waal, 2021). These tensions show why the
structural challenges of this policy need to be examined.
The two most pressing challenges for this act are post-industrialisation and migration. Post-
industrialisation has affected the labour market in Western Europe in a way that has increased the
demand for highly skilled workers (Bonoli, 2007). This shift increases pressure on immigration systems
designed on the basis of industrial paradigms (Bonoli, 2007). This has the effect of limiting integration
of migrants with varying skill levels (Pierson, 2001). Migration creates challenges in terms of policy
adaptability, public perception, social cohesion and capacity of welfare institutions (Castles et al.,
2014).
Other challenges such as technological change, ageing and gender dynamics are less relevant
for this act. Ageing increases labour migration demand, but this is already incorporated into broader
policies (Dutch Advisory Council on Migration, 2022). Technological changes also influence labour
market demand, but the effects on immigration policy are indirect (Van Stiphout-Kramer et al., 2024).
Finally, gender is not a central issue in immigration law.
, 3
Analysing the Dutch Civic Integration Act 2021 in light of the structural challenges post-
industrialisation and migration can offer insights into the shifting movement between integration policy
and the welfare state. This act highlights the ongoing tensions between economic necessity and social
inclusion. This is a central dilemma facing post-industrial societies across Europe.
