The Netherlands Sees Spike in Undocumented Foreign Workers Amid RNI System Loopholes

Informal Employment on the Rise in the Netherlands.

The number of undocumented third-country nationals working in the Netherlands is steadily increasing. Labour Inspectorate estimates reveal tens of thousands may be employed illegally across construction, agriculture, hospitality, and domestic services sectors.

Who Are the Workers?

Unlike in the past, when Eastern Europeans dominated informal labour, now more third-country nationals are entering the scene — especially Brazilians and Georgians. In Amsterdam alone, over 35,000 undocumented Brazilians are estimated to be working without permits.

Both groups can enter the Schengen Area visa-free and register under the Dutch Non-Resident Registration (RNI) system, which gives them a BSN (Citizen Service Number) — enabling them to open bank accounts or register businesses, despite not having legal work authorization.

RNI System Exploited

RNI is intended for short-term stays (under four months), yet no authority checks whether the person leaves after that. The Ministry of the Interior acknowledged these issues in 2023, but made no changes. Abuse of this system leads to rising undocumented employment, with many workers facing exploitation and lacking health coverage or legal protections.

“More and more Brazilians are seeking healthcare without insurance. They don’t have access due to undocumented status.”
— Lisa Vliegenthart, Doctors of the World

Call for Reforms

Experts and rights groups are calling for a review of the RNI framework and stricter enforcement to curb abuse. While economic sectors depend on this labour force, lack of regulation fosters exploitation and risks undermining labour rights and immigration norms.