Bussemaker wants to keep international students in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has to keep the international talents. International students now often go straight back abroad after their studies, and that must change. The Minister of Education Bussemaker has also asked the SER to advise on what businesses, educational institutions and governments can help in keeping international talent in the Netherlands.

Netherlands attracted this year 87,000 foreign students in higher education. “With their intelligence and creativity, also their purchasing power leaves the country,” said Bussemaker. The CPB study revealed earlier this year that if 1 in 5 foreign students continues to work in the Netherlands after their study, the country can gain 740 million euros.

Besides the revenues for the budget, foreign students can help to cope with labor shortages in certain sectors. “Employers are working to make their sectors attractive for Dutch employees but they can also make use of foreign talent that is already studying here.” SER is also asked about potential risk of displacement of Dutch employees. The opinion is expected in March 2013.