Internationals in Zeeland
Expats/internationals are playing an increasingly significant role in the Zeeland labor market. This includes labor migrants (80%) and knowledge workers (20%). Together, they form the 'internationals' in our province. Currently, approximately 1 in 14 employees in Zeeland has an international background.
The Expat Center Zeeland is present for all international employees in the province and for employers in Zeeland. Here, they can find answers to questions about regulations, taxation, and various other practical matters. Starting from January 1, 2023, the Expat Center Zeeland has started to operate from Goes and Terneuzen, serving the entire Zeeland region. The further development of the Expat Center Zeeland aims to provide comprehensive services for internationals, companies/organizations and Zeeland municipalities in one place and at one time.
This further development is accompanied by a new team. Jennice van Aerde is the account manager of the team, which also includes Emanuela Hermes (in Terneuzen) and Veerle Koens (in Goes) as advisors. Together, they have an important goal: "A warm welcome for all expats/internationals in Zeeland."
The Expat Center Zeeland contributes to attracting and retaining international talent for Zeeland. Given the ongoing tightness in the labor market, it is essential to maintain the Zeeland workforce.
The target group includes, among others, knowledge migrants, intra-corporate transferees, labor migrants, foreign startup entrepreneurs, and international students.
The municipalities of Borsele, Goes, Hulst, Middelburg, Schouwen-Duiveland, Sluis, Terneuzen, Vlissingen, as well as the Province of Zeeland and the Zeeland Labor Market Region, provide financial support to the Expat Center Zeeland.
Additionally, this project is part of the 'Regional Deal Zeeuws-Vlaanderen – Zeeuwen zelf aan zet’,as signed on July 13, 2020, by, among others, the Ministers of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) and of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK). A Regiodeal funding of €400,000 has been reserved for this project. Furthermore, €400,000 in co-financing must be contributed by the collaborating partners.