From September, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment will make more than ten million euros available to support employers in hiring professionals with a refugee background over the next three years.

Would you like to use this new subsidy scheme? Refugee Talent Hub is happy to help you on your way. Here are our tips & tricks.

1. Start on time!
 The success of your subsidy application starts with good preparation. Think in time about how you want to organize the guidance. This gives you time to draw up a well-founded activity plan, which is an important part of your application. The subsidy can be applied for between September 2 and September 30, 2024. Since the principle of 'first come, first served' applies, it is important to submit your application as soon as possible once the application period starts.

2. Create a detailed activity plan
 One of the most important requirements for the subsidy scheme is the activity plan. In this plan you indicate how you organize the guidance, how you teach the (organizational) culture and how you ensure the learning of the Dutch language and professional jargon on the work floor. A few examples:

•  Create a detailed job description: what specific tasks will the new colleague perform? What components will the induction program consist of?
•  Describe how you are going to design a buddy program: how often do the buddies see each other? What themes are discussed in the buddy program? How do you find suitable mentors?
•  Indicate how you plan to convey technical terms: will you set up a program to convey technical terms? Or will you use an external language school for this?

3. Make sure you have the right documents
 To submit your subsidy application, you will need a few important documents. Make sure you have your KvK number, the size of your organization, information about your sector, a completed activity plan, and the BSN numbers of the status holders ready. Check carefully whether everything has been filled in correctly to prevent delays.

4. Inform your new colleague
 When applying for the subsidy, it is important to properly inform your new colleague about the guidance that will be offered. Explain why you as an employer consider this guidance important or necessary and what you want to work towards together. Also check whether the new colleague is open to the proposed guidance, such as taking professional language training. If the guidance is dependent on receiving a subsidy, indicate this clearly. This helps to prevent misunderstandings and ensures that both parties know what to expect.

5. Ask for advice!
 Contact Refugee Talent Hub or viewour knowledge base to read more about working with and supporting people with a refugee background. Here you will find various files in which you can search for information, inspiration and suggestions that can help you draw up your activity plan and other practical matters. In addition, there are many other parties that can help you, such as municipalities and regional employer service points , who can support you in applying for the subsidy. You can also consult the Ministry's guidelines , which offer useful tips, tools and answers to frequently asked questions for the subsidy application. View the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment webpage here for more general information about the subsidy.