Netherlands

Originated from the Netherlands, IntEnt was set up to facilitate the creation of new business by entrepreneurial and enterprising migrants. IntEnt distinguishes itself from regular SME promotion programmes with its special focus on bridging two worlds. Its services are primarily offered to migrants who wish to set up a business in their countries of origin.

SEVA is an ISO-certified international organisation for sustainable development. SEVA’s strategy is to stimulate entrepreneurship among the poor and marginalized in developing countries. As of 2011, SEVA received funding from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the project ’Migration and Development 2011-2013’, which is a continuation of a previous, successful project. For the moment, 25 enterprises have already been established in among others Ghana, Rwanda, Burundi, India and Surinam.

The Temporary Return of Qualified Nationals (TRQN) programme enables the Diaspora of the targeted countries to contribute to the reconstruction and development of countries of origin. The objective of the programme is to contribute to the reduction of poverty and to stimulate economic development by strengthening the institutional capacities of both public and private organisations.

Launched in 1994, EURES is a European cooperation network of employment services, designed to facilitate the free movement of workers. The network has always worked hard to ensure that European citizens can benefit from the same opportunities, despite language barriers, cultural differences, bureaucratic challenges, diverse employment laws and a lack of recognition of educational certificates across Europe.

This web portal provides information on access to job opportunities in 32 European countries. It also promotes the cooperation amongst national employment agencies.

This study has three objectives:

1) analyze migration and development in Europe;

2) provide input for continued policy discussions on migration and development beyond Europe, and;

3) assist states in identifying possible future directions, as well as common ground for addressing migration as an inherent part of development.

The MIDA Ghana Health project contributes to the development of human resources in the health sector in Ghana. Ghanaian and other African migrants in EU countries can transfer knowledge, skills and experience through temporary assignments to Ghana. Also, health workers from Ghana have the opportunity to engage in specialized training at health care institutions in the Netherlands, Germany or the United Kingdom.

The project is implemented by IOM in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ghana and Ghanaian diaspora groups in Europe.

The Government of Ghana, with the support of IOM, the Netherlands and the UK, has a circular migration program to encourage Ghanaian professionals to return on an temporary basis to teach and provide medical assistance in various regions.

Since 1996, the Dutch city of Almere has maintained friendship relations with the city of Kumasi in Ghana. In 2001, the Mayors of Almere and Kumasi signed the “Sister Cities Agreement 2001-2006”, in which the principles of their co-operation are laid down.

This agreement involves Ghanaian migrants that facilitate collaboration in the areas of waste management, urban planning, women empowerment and cultural exchanges.

The policy memorandum sets out the migration and development policy framework for the Government of The Netherlands, focusing on six key policy priorities aimed at areas in which the Netherlands can make a difference, such as institutional development in migration management; promoting circular migration and brain gain; strengthening the involvement of migrant organizations; strengthening the link between remittances and development and encouraging sustainable return and reintegration.