HMSHost Netherlands and VluchtelingenWerk: Collaboration leads refugees to employment

Schiphol, 17 May 2019 - Finding a job can be difficult, especially for refugees in the Netherlands. To help make this transition smooth, food & beverage operator HMSHost, Dutch refugee organisation VluchtelingenWerk Zuid-Nederland, and the municipality of Leudal have joined forces. Together they have set up a successful program for refugees to get them acquainted with working in the Dutch hospitality industry.

The first ten-week induction program kicked off on 1st February with seven status holders, spending time working and learning across the various hospitality stores that HMSHost operates in Designer Outlet Roermond. In addition to the internship period, the project included 10 hospitality language courses. At the conclusion of the program, the municipality of Leudal hosted a festive event to celebrate the success of the program attendees at the town hall on 26th April. The celebration was well earned: as a result of this first induction program, four status holders have been offered an employment contract at HMSHost NL.

“We are very pleased with the collaboration with VluchtelingenWerk. By working together, we were able to offer a contract to four people. In addition, we have expressed the ambition to give new status holders the opportunity to further develop their talents after the summer period.” says Patrick de Jong, General Manager of HMSHost Netherlands.

“I look back with satisfaction on the collaboration with the Municipality of Leudal, the Lobby and HMSHost. Of the seven status holders, six have been offered a contract, four of which at HMSHost. We thank the Province that made the previous result possible through the RUIM BAAN project. For the follow-up in September we hope that we can work together with even more municipalities and the employers service point.” says Annemie Smeets, Team Leader Labor Participation VluchtelingenWerk.

HMSHost Netherlands is proud to share that a second program is set to follow in September, giving other refugees the opportunity to get involved, with a long term view to participate fully and sustainably in Dutch society.