Indian Expat Society: The Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands

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Country Facts

The emigration of Indians directly from India to the Netherlands is a post-Second World War phenomenon. Before Indian independence on August 15, 1947, hardly any Indians resided in the Netherlands. This may be partly due to their unfamiliarity with the country and its language.

Diplomatic relations between India and the Netherlands were established in the early 1950s, and Indians started coming to the Netherlands in small numbers. These early arrivals were either working at the Indian Embassy or studying at the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague. Their stay in the Netherlands was of short duration, lasting mostly one to three years.

Early Arrivals from India

The spontaneous flow of Indians from India to the Netherlands started in a trickle in the 1960s, gathered some momentum by the end of the decade and continued in 1970s. These early pioneers were doctors, engineers, university scholars, researchers and a few business persons. Most were invited to the Netherlands either by various Dutch educational institutions and governmental agencies or by major Dutch companies like Shell or Unilever with subsidiaries in India. They were highly educated and professionally qualified persons. Their Dutch sponsors encouraged and facilitated their professional integration, and their Dutch colleagues accepted them easily. Even the Dutch language did not pose a serious problem for them, as the Dutch were happy to speak to them in English. This greatly facilitated their stay and work in the Netherlands.

The writer of this article came to the Netherlands during this period and has had personal experience of the Dutch attitude towards foreigners.

He has been impressed by their extraordinary courtesy and friendliness towards foreigners in general and Indians in particular. He has experienced many situations in which Dutch persons unknown to him have gone out of their way to be kind and helpful. The writer has heard similar stories from other Indian friends.

Most early arrivals came to the Netherlands, their spouses or brought them from India subsequently after settling in their new country. Some even have Dutch spouses. These immigrants come from different parts of India, speak different Indian languages and follow different religious traditions. But they have maintained close harmonious contacts with each other.

'There is a broad consensus that Indian immigrants have added value to the Dutch economy and society.'

These early arrivals have by and large done very well in their chosen professions and businesses. Many have risen high in their professions as university professors, chief engineers or heads of departments. A few have even established major businesses or professional practices of their own. Most are financially sound and belong to the upper strata of Dutch society in terms of their education, professional achievements, income and wealth. A few have even been honoured by Queen Beatrix for their contribution to Dutch society.

Most of the persons in this group are now either retired or nearing retirement. This group of first generation Indians still maintains very close links with India. They rejoice in India's achievements and are saddened by her failures. Their emotion bond with India is so strong that they would always be ready to help India in her endeavours and hour of need.

The next major wave of Indian immigrants to Netherlands came in the mid-1970S and continued to do so for about the following 15 years. This involved the migration of a few thousand rural workers from the Indian state of Punjab. They came primarily in search of better economic prospects. Most had a low level of education and few professional skills. Their language skills were also limited. They hardly spoke English or any other language apart from their mother tongue. In spite of these big handicaps, most have found reasonable jobs or started small businesses and are now well settled. Most are diligent and law-abiding residents of their new country. Many switched nationality from Indian to Dutch. They visit India regularly and maintain close contacts with the country of their birth. Many also assist their families financially in India.

Knowledge Workers

Knowledge workers are the latest group of emigrants from India to the Netherlands. They started coming about five years ago in small numbers. Their migration to the Netherlands has picked up speed in the last two years. This trend is likely to continue and further accelerate in the years to come.

These knowledge workers are highly educated and have the professional skills needed by the Dutch economy. They were invited by Dutch businesses, which need them and consequently facilitate work and residence permits for them. Initially, they were invited for a period of two to three years but, given the Dutch economy's strong need for their skills, they are likely to stay on. Most are young, between 20 and 30 years old, and earn decent salaries. Since they have come very recently, their contacts with India are still very strong. In view of growing business and job opportunities in India, some may choose to return after gaining experience of the Dutch of life and exposure to living abroad for a few years. However, if they choose to stay on in the Netherlands for a longer duration, they should have no difficulty in integrating into Dutch society.

Second-Generation Indians

Second-generation persons of Indian origin are another distinct group. One or both of their parents came from India. These young persons were born, brought up and educated in the Netherlands. They are fluent in Dutch and are familiar with core Dutch values and social norms. Most of them are well educated and well settled. Some are highly placed in Dutch society and have Dutch spouses. Most are fully integrated into Dutch society and are likely to remain in the Netherlands.

Their emotional bond with India is not as strong as that of their parents. They are influenced by both Indian and Dutch culture. They like to keep in touch with India and most are proud of their Indian heritage. When necessary, their support for Indian causes can be mobilized easily.

General Profile

It is estimated that a total of about 20,000 Indians or persons of Indian origin reside in the Netherlands at present. This does not include an estimated 160,000 Surinamese of Indian origin (Surinamese Hindustanis), who mostly migrated to the Netherlands from Suriname after the country's independence in 1975.

According to the Dutch statistical agency, CBS, there are more precisely 17,376 Indians or persons of Indian origin living in the Netherlands. This includes 11,847 Indians with Indian nationality or first-generation persons of Indian origin with Dutch nationality. This also includes 5,528 second-generation persons of Indian origin who were mostly born in the Netherlands. This number does not include persons of Indian origin who are nationals of third countries such as Afghanistan, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda etc.

The number of Indians in the Netherlands is small but is steadily growing. According to CBS, this figure was 9,476 in 1996 but, in the last 12 years, it has nearly doubled and is likely to continue to increase in the years to come.

The Dutch opinion of the Indian community in the Netherlands is very positive. The Indian Diaspora is commended for its silent integration into Dutch society, its acceptance of core Dutch values and social norms and for maintaining its own distinct Indian culture, traditions and values. Professionally, Indians in the Netherlands are highly regarded for their competence, hard work and social skills. There is a broad consensus that Indian immigrants have added value to the Dutch economy and society.

Indians in the Netherlands have played an important role in promoting cooperation between the Dutch and Indian communities residing here and in many walks of life. As described below, they have played this role either through existing Indo-Dutch organisations or by creating new ones where necessary.

Netherlands-India Association (NIA)

This association is a platform for cultural and social contacts, as well as for cooperation between the Dutch and the Indian communities. It was founded in 1951 by some Dutch men and women, who were interested in Indian philosophical and social traditions, meditation, yoga, etc. However, it remained a very small and inactive organization until the mid-1960s when Indians started coming to the Netherlands. Since their number was small at that time, they decided to join the NIA instead of creating a new organisation to meet their cultural and social needs.

They revitalised this association and broadened its activities. They reshaped it to meet the cultural and social needs of the growing Indian community and Dutch friends of India.

The membership of the NIA has expanded greatly over the years. It is a very active association. It organises about six programmes every year to celebrate important Indian festivals. On these occasions, members of the Indian community and their Dutch friends come together, renew old friendships and forge new contacts.

Foundation For Critical Choices For India (FCCI)

The FCCI was established in 1980 by a group of Indians living in the Netherlands to mobilise the intellectual and material resources of non-resident Indians (NRIS) and people of Indian origin (PIOS) for India's development. The FCCI is mandated to prepare policy studies concerning critical problems facing India and to interact with policy makers and opinion leaders in India for the purposes of initiating national debate on those policy options. Over the years, the FCCI has carried out many research studies. A number of policy suggestions it has advocated have been accepted by the Indian government and have helped shape the government's policies on NRIS and PIOS. Owing to the strength of its ideas, the FCCI's influence on Indian policies has been disproportionate to its small size and limited resources.

In 1997, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of India's independence, the FCCI published a book called 'Fifty Years of Indo-Dutch Cooperation’. It was the first systematic study of its kind on this subject. The book covers key aspects of cooperation between India and the Netherlands and has become a reference point for all those interested in the study of this important subject.

Netherlands -India Chamber Of Commerce And Trade (NICCT)

The NICCT 'S key objective is to promote business and economic relations between India and the Netherlands. It was created in 2003 as a result of the amalgamation of the Indo-Dutch Chamber of Commerce and the India Trade Council. Indians in the Netherlands were the driving force behind the creation of this important institution.

The NICCT is a platform for exchanging ideas, business networking and promoting economic relations between the two countries. Most Dutch companies, including many multinationals doing business with India, are members of the NICCT. The membership and activities of the NICCT are expanding fast. It is one of the most active bi-national chambers of commerce operating in the Netherlands and is highly regarded by the Dutch establishment.

Indian Business Chamber (IBC)

The IBC is an association of businessmen and professionals of Indian origin living in the Netherlands. It is a platform for networking and exchanging ideas. It represents and promotes the commercial interests of its members, as well as caters to their social needs.

Conclusion

Although the Indians residing and working in the Netherlands form a small community, they are well settled and well integrated professionally into Dutch society. They are also generally highly regarded by the Dutch. They play an important role in building bridges and promoting cooperation between India and the Netherlands in a wide variety of human endeavour. In the years to come, this cooperation is likely to further strengthen to the mutual benefit of both countries.

Source: R. L. Lakhina, "India and the Netherlands - Changing Images: Lasting Visions", 2008

Overview

The Netherlands is located in Western Europe and borders Belgium and Germany with a North Sea coastline. The formation of the Netherlands dates back to 1579 when the Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spanish control. The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815, by which time the province of Holland had become a major commercial and trading power and had many overseas colonies and settlements. The country is still often referred to by the alternative name of Holland, a practice which reflects the dominant role the Province of Holland played in its historical development.

Much of the country has been reclaimed from the sea and around a fifth of the land is below sea level. The landscape is flat and crossed by many rivers and canals. It is the most densely populated country in Europe, with around 475 people per square kilometre of land. The country has a temperate, marine climate, with fairly cool summers, mild winters and high rainfall throughout the year.

The Netherlands is highly urbanized and is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. However, there are few large conurbations - most people live in cities and towns of less than 100,000 people, and even Amsterdam, the capital and largest urban centre, only has a population of around 750,000. Amsterdam is a particularly popular tourist destination famed for its cobbled streets, tree-lined canals, lively nightlife and infamous red light district. Other main cities include The Hague, which is the seat of government, Utrecht, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. In contrast to Holland's lively, cosmopolitan cities, the countryside is still characteristically Dutch, with many traditional working windmills and scenic tulip fields.

The Netherlands is a popular destination for expatriates from other western countries as well as many other immigrants from around the world, and there is a very big expatriate community. Its popularity with foreigners has been largely due to the tolerant and liberal attitudes of the Dutch towards people of all races, religions, political persuasions and sexualities.

In recent years, however, Dutch liberalism has come under attack with the rise in popularity of anti-immigration politicians and a growth in racial violence. Freedom of speech and freedom of belief are no longer taken for granted, and immigration policies have been tightened. Nevertheless, Holland is still a very liberal country which welcomes foreigners.

Western expatriates are also attracted to the Netherlands because of the high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and stable economy. Holland also has one of the most extensive and generous social welfare systems in Europe. The crime rate is low compared with many other western countries and most Dutch people can speak English. However, the Netherlands is mainly a destination of choice for working expatriates rather than retirees, as the cost of living there is relatively high.

As of July 2007 the Netherlands had a population of 16,570,613. It was estimated in 1999 that around 83% of the population were Dutch, with the remainder including 9% of non-Western origin. The balance is likely to be shifting a little since immigration to the Netherlands has been high in recent years and has been mainly from other European countries rather than traditional immigrant countries such as Turkey, Morocco and Suriname.

Dutch society is often described as egalitarian because everyone is treated with respect regardless of position or status, even in the workplace. One thing that often frustrates foreigners, however, is the convoluted bureaucracy that seems to cover every aspect of life in the Netherlands.

Most Dutch people speak very good English, but it is generally expected that foreigners living in Holland will learn some Dutch language. Although Dutch is reportedly a fairly difficult language to learn, there are many language schools throughout the country offering instruction. The standard version of Dutch is spoken mainly by people in the Randstad area of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht; people in other parts of the country speak in distinctive accents and dialects.

Although the Netherlands is one of the world's smallest countries in geographic terms, it is a highly prosperous country with has one of the strongest economies and highest standards of living in the world, with GDP per capita (2006) of $32,100. Its economic success has been built largely on foreign trade and the country's role as a transportation hub, with Rotterdam being the world's largest seaport and Schiphol the fourth largest airport in Western Europe.Economic stability, a highly skilled labour force, a reputation for efficiency and an advanced and sophisticated transport and communications infrastructure have made the Netherlands very attractive to multinational firms and foreign investors alike, and companies which have their headquarters here include Philips Electronics, Unilever, Shell, Heineken and ING. The Netherlands is a major exporter of high tech products, the largest natural gas producer in Europe and a major refiner of crude oil.

The Netherlands has enjoyed very strong economic growth in past decades, but this has slowed considerably in recent years due to a decline in foreign trade reflecting a worldwide downturn. Nevertheless, the Dutch economy remains relatively strong and unemployment and inflation levels have been moderate. In 2006 the unemployment rate was 5.5% and inflation 1.4%.

Nearly four fifths of Holland's labour force of 7.6 million (2006) work in the service sector which accounts for around two thirds of the country's GNP, with the remaining fifth mainly in industry. There is a technologically advanced and highly efficient agricultural sector employing about 2% of the labour force which generates about 10% of GNP. Recent years have seen expansions in the service sector, especially government, education and health care, while construction and industry have been in decline.

Culture

It's not all sex, drugs and rock'n'roll in the Netherlands. Although you may find the attitude towards substances and sex relaxed, this is only part of the many things this country has to offer.

Courtesy, tolerance and a preference for consensus rather than conflict are typical characteristics of the even-tempered Dutch people, and the relative stability and efficiency of Dutch life and its political system owe a lot to these traits. Above all, Dutch people are modest and dislike ostentatious shows of wealth or claims of personal achievement, whilst individualism is often sacrificed in Dutch culture in the interest of achieving consensual agreement.

At the same time, the Dutch value their privacy and personal space; some foreign nationals may find it surprising that the Dutch will often stand so far away from the person they are speaking to. They also tend to be quite formal in their communications, and first names are not normally used except between close friends. At the same time, the Dutch have a good sense of humour, and frequently tease and make fun of one another in a friendly spirit.

The Dutch love of efficiency is reflected in an almost obsessive focus on punctuality and planning. Appointments are almost always necessary here, both in business and in social life, and transport timetables are specified to the minute and expected to be adhered to. It is not really acceptable practice to just drop in on anyone unannounced; similarly if arranging for anyone to visit you, you should specify a date and time in advance. Refreshments such as tea or coffee, perhaps with pastries or biscuits, should be made available for their arrival and served to the visitors; Dutch people will not expect to serve themselves.

Among close friends and family, women will normally greet one another with three kisses on alternate cheeks, while men will shake hands and sometimes kiss women on the cheeks three times in the same way. If you are meeting Dutch people for the first time, introduce yourself by your first name and family name.
Dutch people frequently exchange small gifts to mark a special occasion, such as a birthday, or as a thank you when visiting a Dutch home for dinner. The types of gifts commonly given are inexpensive but of good quality, such as chocolates or flowers, and it is also common practice for a group of friends to share the cost of a slightly more expensive present. Gifts are usually opened immediately in the presence of the giver, and will be received in typical Dutch style with courteous but not effusive appreciation. It is also typical to send greetings cards to mark all sorts of occasions such as birthdays, moving home or starting a new job, or a postcard to thank a Dutch family for a dinner at their home, for example.

In the Netherlands, it is considered important to celebrate birthdays, and the person having the birthday is usually expected to organize the festivities, or at least to take cakes, pastries or sweets to work or school to share with others. In return, they will receive birthday greetings and cards from family and friends. Indeed, birthdays are so important in Dutch culture that it is also common practice for people to be congratulated on the birthday of their close relative or friend. Moreover, the Dutch take pride in ageing and the fiftieth birthday in particular is considered especially significant. Reaching this age is often referred to as seeing "Abraham" or "Sara" (for men and women respectively), a tradition which originates in an interpretation of a biblical reference.

Very diverse cultural influences from all four corners of the earth can be found in cuisine, the arts and daily life in Holland and it can sometimes be hard to define what is typically Dutch. In the cities especially, Dutch culture is a mix of varied subcultures brought in from abroad or adopted by the Dutch and developed further - the very varied restaurant and bar life in particular is something that has to be experienced. Of course the Netherlands are perhaps best known for the unique artworks of the 17th century, of Van Gogh and Mondriaan. As a consequence there are many world class museums in the country: the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Museum Booymans in Rotterdam or the Kroller Muller Museum in the Hoge Veluwe National Park for example. Classical music buffs will enjoy the world class Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (to name but one of many). For popular music fans, the summer especially offers many festivals with acts from all over the world.
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Outside the towns, most of which have at least a few items of historical or architectural interest, The Netherlands has many wonders waiting to be discovered in the countryside, more often than not related to the never ending struggle to protect the country from the sea.

Climate and Weather

The Netherlands has a temperate climate, not unlike that of England. Temperatures are best described as variable and rain can fall throughout the entire year.
In general, the weather is variable with extreme temperatures possible. Spring and autumn usually exhibit unsettled weather and the coldest months are December to March. Rain is likely all year round.

The average temperature in July is around 63 °F (17 °C), and in January average 35 °F (2 °C). Rainfall averages 31 inches (790 millimetres) and is highest in summer and autumn and lowest in springtime.

Government and Politics

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The ruling monarch, Queen Beatrix, is the Head of State. Holland's parliament (Staten Generaal) consists of an Upper House and Lower House, with members elected by the country's provincial councils and the general electorate, respectively, using a system of proportional representation. The seat of government is The Hague.

The political system of the Netherlands is characterized by a large number of political parties, many of whom are represented in government. Traditionally, the dominant political parties have included the Labour Party (PvdA), the Christian Democrats (CDA) and the Liberals (VVD).

The Head of State and the Prime Minister are responsible for signing laws and Acts passed by parliament, and Cabinet Ministers and State Secretaries are responsible for their implementation. Each year, Queen Beatrix delivers the Troonrede speech, which sets out the government policies for the year ahead.
Traditionally, the Netherlands has enjoyed a relatively stable political system which reflects the consensual and efficient organization of Dutch life in general and is based on what has been termed the "poldermodel", derived from the word for an area of land surrounded by protective dikes to protect it from high waters. In a similar way, it is argued, life in the Netherlands is highly organized and planned, and has traditionally been inclusive of different views and attitudes, with politics being based on negotiation and consensus rather than conflict. This is also reflected in the tolerant attitudes held by many Dutch people which have resulted in the country's liberal laws governing, for example, sexual practices and drugs.

In recent years, however, the poldermodel has been seriously shaken by a number of major political upheavals and scandals and two political murders, linked to growing public concerns about immigration and international terrorism. In 2002, the politician Pim Fortuyn, who had risen to fame on an anti-immigration platform, was killed, and 2004 saw the murder of Theo Van Gogh, who had made a controversial film on the position of women in Islamic society.

A period of considerable political instability followed, which included the collapse, over immigration issues, of Prime Minister Balkenende's centre-right coalition in June 2006, and an interim period of temporary government followed until Balkenende was re-appointed in February 2007 as the head of a three-party centrist coalition consisting of the Christian Democrats, the Labour Party and the Christian Union. This new government plans more moderate economic reforms than its predecessor, which had come up against considerable public protest, and is taking a softer line on immigration policy.

The Netherlands also has provincial and municipal governments with responsibility for the administration of various aspects of life in the Netherlands. Municipal governments generally deal with issues such as education, health, recreation and water supply, while provincial governments have responsibilities including environmental issues, urban and rural planning, sports and cultural affairs.

All EU citizens aged 18 or over who are resident in the Netherlands on the day that candidates are nominated, and non-EU nationals who have lived in the Netherlands for at least 5 years, are eligible to vote in municipal elections and EU citizens are also entitled to vote in European Parliament elections. EU nationals living in Holland can stand for Dutch elections to the European Parliament, while non-Dutch nationals can also stand for election to municipal councils if they are also resident in the Netherlands at the time of being admitted to the municipal council. Members of consular or diplomatic staff and their family members who are residing in the Netherlands are not allowed to vote.