Choose a trustworthy employment agency

10.04.24

When you accept to work off the books in the Netherlands: How to choose a trustworthy employment agency?

Identifying a serious recruitment agency is essential to ensure a safe working environment and to guarantee your rights as an employee. In an ideal world, all agencies for the mediation and placement of labor abroad would operate correctly, transparently, and for the benefit of employees.

But reality shows that you need to be vigilant and recognize the signs of a safe collaboration. Here is a post from a Facebook group of Romanians in the Netherlands: "Be careful before sending a picture with documents - don't do like me, don't trust these worthless people who would even sell their family to make money!" In the comments, other people added: "I also got scammed and I am still in the Netherlands without work for 2 months and I can't go back to the country", "I also sent pictures of my ID and never heard back.", another person commented and another replied: "I know, I realized something was not right and I sent nothing!!".

In this article, you will find some useful tips that can help you identify illegal labor collaborations, as well as information on how to choose a mediation and labor placement agency in the Netherlands that is transparent and trustworthy.

Negative consequences of working off the books

Working off the books, meaning undeclared and untaxed labor, is an illegal practice with numerous negative consequences for employees, society, and the economy. Here are the risks faced by those who work this way:

Legal risks: Being employed without a legal employment contract can lead to penalties for the person working this way, including fines and the possibility of being expelled from the country where you work as an expat.

Lack of legal rights: Those who work without a legal employment contract do not benefit from social insurance, including health insurance and pensions.

Inappropriate working conditions: Without legal forms, the employer is not obligated to respect the standards set by law regarding working conditions, pay, working hours.

Job instability: Individuals who work without an employment contract have no job security and can be dismissed without any notice, compensation, or assurance that they will return to their home country.

Limitations in professional development: Those who work off the books will not be able to later prove their work experience in the field and might be paid as inexperienced employees.

Inability to access certain services: If you are not legally registered in the Netherlands as an employee, you will not be able to access bank loans or rent a house.

Tips to avoid the trap of illegal employment

To avoid becoming a victim of off-the-books work and to protect your rights as an employee, it is essential to be informed, cautious, and to pay attention to the details of the job offer. To avoid the pitfalls of off-the-books jobs and to identify them, here are some useful tips:

Look for information about the employer: If you are unsure about the offer received, check the reputation and history of the employer. How can you do this? On one hand, check if the agency is transparent, offering information on their website and social media, and having contact details. On the other hand, search "reviews about the agency..." and read online reviews, references, and discussions on Google, Facebook groups, or forums, left by people who have worked or are working there.

Refuse offers that seem too good to be true: If the job offer seems unrealistically attractive, it might be a trap.

Request a written employment contract: Any serious employer will provide a detailed employment contract, before you start working. Refusal or hesitation to provide a written contract can be a warning sign.

Check the details of the salary and working conditions: Make sure you clearly understand the details of the salary, working hours, benefits, and other working conditions before accepting the offer, and if you have any doubts, ask for clarifications.

Beware of requests for fees or commissions in advance: If the employer requests the payment of fees or commissions before hiring, this is a clear warning sign and you should avoid that offer.

How to identify off-the-books jobs

Lack of a written employment contract: The absence of a written employment contract or the offering of an unsigned or incomplete contract may indicate off-the-books work.

Promised payment on the spot, in cash: If the employer offers payment in cash, without concluding a contract or without recording transactions, it is a warning sign.

Refusal to provide additional details: If the employer avoids giving you information about the company, the employer in the Netherlands, address or other details related to the workplace, it may be off-the-books work.

Requests to work without being registered in the Netherlands: If the employer asks you to work without being registered through BSN (unique identification code in the Netherlands) this is a sign of off-the-books work.

Poor or dangerous working conditions: If the workplace presents unsafe, dangerous, or poor working conditions, it may be off-the-books work.

How to choose a trustworthy agency to work in the Netherlands?

Transparency in the recruitment process. A serious agency will provide you with clear and detailed information about the recruitment process, the role you are applying for, your rights and obligations as an employee. Contractual details, including the duration of the contract, salary, working hours, and working conditions, should be discussed openly and understood by both parties before agreeing to the contract. For example, at DB Work we have a transparent recruitment process, and at each stage, you receive answers to any questions you have.

Constant feedback and support. An agency dedicated to your professional success will maintain constant communication with you, offering support at all stages of the recruitment process and support for adapting to the new culture and work environment, as we do at DB Work. This may include practical advice about day-to-day life in the new location, information about your rights as an expat worker, and assistance in understanding the healthcare system and other essential services. It is also important to know that a serious agency provides support to obtain the social security number (BSN) and help you register at the municipality (for stays longer than 4 months).

Positive references and reviews. Checking reviews and references about the agency can provide valuable insight into the experiences of other candidates and employees. A solid reputation, built on customer and candidate satisfaction, and experience in recruitment, as we have at DB Work, are signs of the agency's seriousness and professionalism. Last but not least, you can check if the respective labor mediation and placement agency abroad is on the list of agencies authorized by the Territorial Labor Inspectorates.

Transparent information about costs. The mediation contract with the agency includes essential details, such as the name of the foreign employer, the description of the position and working conditions. Legally, mediation agencies CANNOT charge mediation fees, commissions, or other costs from the job applicant, and at DB Work we never request fees or commissions.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, choose to collaborate exclusively with transparent mediation agencies, which comply with the legislation and offer working conditions in accordance with Dutch standards. By following the principles presented in our article and ensuring that the chosen agency meets legal and ethical standards, you will have a hassle-free professional experience and benefit from all the advantages of a correct collaboration.

Do you want to be part of the DB Work professional team? Do you have experience in the naval, industrial, logistics, or construction field? Send your CV by email to job@dbwork.com!

Here are the advantages of working in the Netherlands with a DB Work contract: