The CPB started monitoring migrant labour migration patterns in 1999, and the trend was that although 850,000 labour migrants work in the Netherlands today, most do not stay on a permanent basis. "Also 75 percent returns within 10 years to their homes and some also return a lot earlier, especially during an economic recession," said CPB researcher Gerdien Meijerink.

Stay duration is influenced by income, work and partners
Very few think about leaving their jobs in terms of job loss.

Retrenchment among labour migrants is about three times higher than when working. And if they do succeed in finding a new job after a spell without employment, the odds of their staying almost double.

Earnings similarly have a very high impact on length of stay.

Among those making €1,000 to €2,000 a month, 64 per cent were staying in the country after five years. This more than doubled to 78 per cent for those earning €2,000–€3,000 a month and rose to 87 per cent for those on more than €6,000.

Relationships are another key factor.

Migrants who have a partner—especially one who is Dutch-born or with whom they live —are more likely to stay. Other demographics and household structure, gender, age and region of birth also have an effect.

Labour flows to soar despite policy push
The majority of labour migrants work in agriculture, (horti and fr.