Research on labour migration topics in 2026: knowledge that matters

Their own perspective

These studies focus on the experiences and perspectives of migrant workers themselves; not as subjects of study, but as a source of knowledge. "There are many persistent assumptions about migrant workers, both in public opinion and in policy. What is often missing, moreover, is the perspective of the people concerned. In our studies, the views of migrant workers are explicitly addressed. And that yields new and sometimes surprising insights,” says Youri Seidler, researcher at Risbo and coordinator of Risbo’s own Migrant Workers Research Panel.

Follow-up Survey: Insight into Migrant Workers

In 2026, Risbo will conduct a follow-up survey of the ‘Insight into Migrant Workers’ study, which began in 2024 on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. The aim is to assess the extent to which the situation of migrant workers has evolved and whether policy measures have had a demonstrable effect. The design is similar to the baseline survey: large-scale fieldwork, multilingual fieldworkers and the use of the research panel. The results are expected at the end of 2026.

The baseline study ‘Insight into Migrant Workers’ (2024) (Dutch only) was the first large-scale assessment of how EU migrant workers, third-country nationals and displaced Ukrainians perceive their own situation in the Netherlands. More than 4,200 questionnaires were collected through fieldwork and online surveys. The results, presented to the House of Representatives, painted a nuanced picture: a majority are satisfied with their work and housing, but their relative position compared to the Dutch average lags behind in several areas, particularly in the field of mental health.

Housing preferences and housing situation of migrant workers

Commissioned by the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning, Risbo is investigating the housing preferences and housing situation of migrant workers in the Netherlands. The reason for this is a knowledge gap regarding the housing preferences and needs of migrant workers. The central question is to what extent migrant workers are willing to share accommodation and how this should be taken into account in relation to the housing shortage in the Netherlands.

Using over 4,000 questionnaires, supplemented by interviews and focus groups, Risbo is mapping out the considerations migrant workers make regarding housing: when do cost savings outweigh privacy, and how do housing preferences relate to length of stay and intentions to remain? A mix of methods is being used for data collection: fieldwork at logical locations, online recruitment, social media campaigns and the Migrant Workers Research Panel. The findings may contribute to refining housing policy. Completion is scheduled for spring 2027.

Violence among migrant workers: an exploratory study

Following a series of serious violent incidents involving migrant workers, public and political attention led to parliamentary questions and a motion. Commissioned by the WODC and in collaboration with Bureau Beke, Risbo is conducting an exploratory study into the background to this violence. To date, there is hardly any empirical knowledge available in this area.

This study will examine, among other things, whether migrant workers face an increased risk of encountering violence during their stay in the Netherlands. This may be linked to the conditions under which migrant workers live and work in the Netherlands, but also to vulnerabilities that people bring with them from their country of origin.  The research utilises police data, CBS microdata, surveys of the project’s own panel, and interviews with migrant workers and professionals in the field. The results are expected by the end of 2026.

Migrant Workers Research Panel

Risbo’s research panel plays a central role in the studies mentioned above. This panel, the only one of its kind in the Netherlands, was taken over from the Migrant Workers Knowledge Centre when the RUNOMI-Risbo Knowledge Programme was established in 2024. It consists of migrant workers who are willing to participate in research on a regular basis. It offers researchers direct access to a target group that is difficult to reach through conventional channels, and makes it possible to investigate sensitive topics in a methodologically sound manner. Read more about the panel elsewhere on this website, or contact Youri Seidler.