International organisations in The Hague happier

International organisations and their foreign employees (expats) are increasingly satisfied with the Netherlands as host country, Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen reports on the basis of a study by his ministry.

“A few years ago, there was much criticism by the 31 international organisations based in the Netherlands and their expat staff,” according to Verhagen. “They complained among other things about the difficult partnership with the government, about healthcare and about divergent treatment in the area of taxes.”

Meanwhile, “differences in fiscal treatment have been removed, residence rights of the expats eased and communication with the organisations improved.” The ministry’s study acknowledges that “further improvements are still needed, but that the organisations and the majority of their expat staff (68 percent) are more satisfied with the Netherlands” than previously.

“For the Netherlands, it is politically and economically important to have and keep these organisations in the country. They are welcome guests. It helps if they and their staff feel taken seriously and well served here.”

Source: NIS News, 17 December 2008