From February 1, 2025, fines for employers who violate labor laws will be significantly increased. This includes situations of underpayment, illegal employment and abuse of temporary employment arrangements. De maatregel is bedoeld om uitbuiting van arbeidsmigranten tegen te gaan en eerlijke arbeidsvoorwaarden te bevorderen.

Minister Van Hijum of Social Affairs and Employment emphasizes:

"We will no longer tolerate exploitation. Companies that knowingly violate the rules will be punished more severely."

The fines increase by approx18%and will from now on be indexed annually. This applies to violations of the following laws:

• Wav: Aliens Employment Act (illegal employment)
• Wml: Minimum Wage and Minimum Holiday Allowance Act
• Waadi: Labor Allocation Act by Intermediaries
• WagwEU: Employment Conditions Act for Posted Workers in the EU

Employers are actively informed about the adjusted fine policy. Enforcement and supervision will be strengthened to effectively tackle abuses. The government is taking an important step towards a fair, safe and healthy labor market, especially for vulnerable groups such as migrant workers.