August 5th 2025
Seven facts about discrimination in recruitment and selection
At Refugee Talent Hub, we connect employers and professionals with refugee backgrounds, with the goal of paid employment. Yet, we see that prejudices still too often prevail. Research by KIS confirms this: in the Netherlands, origin, religion, or skin color still weigh more heavily than resumes or potential. This constitutes discrimination. It's not allowed, but it does happen.
Below you'll find a brief summary of seven facts about discrimination based on origin, religion, and skin color when seeking work in the Netherlands. Read the full KIS article for more information and substantiation.
- Fact 1: People with a migration background are discriminated against in recruitment and selection
Applicants with a migration background are less likely to receive an invitation, even if their CV is identical to that of other candidates. - Fact 2: Black people are discriminated against in recruitment and selection
People perceived as black are less likely to receive an invitation for a job interview than white candidates with the same profile. - Fact 3: Muslims are discriminated against in recruitment and selection
Having a Muslim background or religious affiliation on your resume lowers your chances of getting hired. Women wearing a headscarf are also more likely to be rejected, especially in customer-facing roles. - Fact 4: The Netherlands is not a leader in equal treatment in recruitment and selection
Compared to other countries, employment discrimination is relatively common in the Netherlands. The situation appears to be worsening rather than improving.
More and more employers are taking steps to prevent discrimination in recruitment and selection. This KIS article offers tips for employers. For tailored advice, employers can contact Diversity in Business .
- Fact 5: Discrimination also occurs when looking for an internship
Students with a migration background are more likely to apply for internships, even with similar resumes. Structured assessment can reduce this difference. - Fact 6: No clear differences between regions and professions
Discrimination occurs throughout the Netherlands: from urban to rural areas, and in a wide range of professions. Only in jobs with a lot of customer contact do women wearing a headscarf face additional barriers. - Fact 7: Discrimination based on age and disability may also occur, but less research is available
There are indications that older applicants and people with disabilities are also excluded, but less research is available on this topic. It is clear, however, that age plays a role in selection.
This is a shortened version. Read the full article here .