I really do not get that there are still people who claim the Netherlands could do without labour migration. Currently, almost one in five Dutch citizens is 65 or older (19.5%) and there are more than three people working for every person over 65. By 2060, this proportion will drop, however, to just 2.2 employed people for each 65+ person. It is not fewer international workers we need, but more. To be precise, we need 50,000 migrant workers extra every year; otherwise, our economy will completely stall.And, of course, housing is a challenge, but we seem not to realise that more than 60% of all international employees work here only for a while (maximum of 5 years). The solution is: flexible, temporary accommodation. And it can be swiftly completed if people at the executive level make quick decisions.

That “low-wage argument” is also a fallacy. International employees earn the same as their Dutch colleagues. Finally, one often forgets the major contribution migrant workers make to our country's welfare. From the current level of over 3% of national income, the net contribution of migrant workers will grow to over 4% by 2030. We are thus talking about a contribution of 14 to 20 billion euros to GNP.

In short, the Netherlands cannot do without labour migration and people who claim otherwise will find me on their way. After all, I am and always will be a missionary.”