New CAO rules for labor migrants: What do they mean for the staffing industry?

As of January 1, 2025, new collective labor agreement (CAO) rules apply to temporary workers who do not permanently reside in the Netherlands. These rules provide greater protection, transparency, and clarity regarding housing, transportation, health insurance, and income guarantees for labor migrants. This marks a significant shift for the staffing industry and companies employing international workers.

Ebro Diensten plays a crucial role in helping businesses comply with these regulations while ensuring a stable and fair working environment for labor migrants. But what exactly do these new rules entail, and how can companies prepare for them?

Key changes in the CAO for labor migrants

According to the 2025 CAO for Temporary Workers, the new provisions apply specifically to labor migrants who:

✔ Are recruited outside the Netherlands by a staffing agency.
✔ Are housed in the Netherlands to work here temporarily.

Cross-border workers from Belgium and Germany who maintain a permanent residence in their home country are not subject to these rules.

1. Stricter housing standards

Labor migrants must voluntarily choose whether they want to use housing provided by the staffing agency. This can no longer be a mandatory condition of employment. Additionally, housing quality standards have been tightened:

✔ Housing must comply with CAO standards (Annex V).
✔ Maximum housing costs are capped at 25% of the minimum wage based on the Price-Quality System (PKS).
✔ Migrants receive a 4-week transition period after their contract ends, during which they can stay in their housing at the same rent.

These changes ensure that labor migrants are not dependent on their employer for accommodation and receive more certainty regarding living conditions.

2. Clear regulations on transportation

✔ Transport to and from the home country must be voluntary and cannot be made a mandatory condition.
✔ If a migrant worker lives far from the workplace and has no access to public transport, the employer must arrange alternative transport options.
✔ Migrants who arrange their own transport may be entitled to a travel allowance.

These changes prevent employers from deducting transport costs without clear agreements and improve accessibility to work.

3. Health insurance and social security

✔ Labor migrants must receive clear information about the mandatory Dutch health insurance.
✔ Employers may offer a collective insurance plan, but workers are not required to participate.
✔ Additional insurances, such as liability or repatriation coverage, cannot be made mandatory.

These measures ensure that workers retain control over their health insurance and avoid unnecessary costs.

4. More transparency on wages and deductions

✔ Deductions from wages (such as housing costs) must be fully transparent and comply with legal standards.
✔ Healthcare benefits and other allowances must be paid directly to the worker’s account.
✔ Cash payments are prohibited, reducing the risk of fraud or mismanagement.

This measure prevents exploitation and ensures that labor migrants receive their full salary in a fair and accountable way.

5. Income guarantee for new labor migrants

✔ Workers arriving in the Netherlands for the first time are entitled to an income guarantee during their first two months.
✔ This means they will receive at least the minimum (youth) wage, regardless of their contract length or hours worked.

This provides labor migrants with financial stability and a secure start in the Netherlands.

What do these changes mean for the staffing industry?

These new CAO rules require companies to be more transparent and careful in managing labor migrants. A professional and well-organized approach is essential.

✔ Staffing agencies must adjust their housing policies to comply with the 25% wage cap for housing costs.
✔ Clear contracts and fair wage deductions are mandatory to prevent disputes and ensure fair treatment.
✔ Employers must invest in training, integration, and language courses to support labor migrants effectively.

Ebro Diensten is actively helping businesses navigate these changes, ensuring compliance while maintaining an attractive work environment for international employees.

Ebro Diensten: Your partner in flexible staffing and labor migration

Ebro Diensten helps companies implement the new CAO rules by:

✔ Providing legally compliant employment contracts that align with the latest regulations.
✔ Ensuring housing and transport meet CAO standards, keeping businesses compliant.
✔ Managing transparent payroll administration, ensuring fair wages and financial clarity for workers.
✔ Offering language courses and integration support, making it easier for labor migrants to adapt.

By partnering with a trusted staffing agency like Ebro Diensten, companies can benefit from a flexible workforce while avoiding legal risks.

A new standard for labor migration

The new CAO rules create greater transparency and protection for labor migrants while ensuring employers follow fair employment practices. This is a positive step toward a more ethical and sustainable staffing industry.

Want to know how your organization can prepare for the 2025 CAO changes? Contact Ebro Diensten today for a free consultation and find out how we can support your workforce strategy!