ARPN Focus Areas
ARPN has two main focus areas: government relations and business interactions. As well as being a respected discussion partner of Dutch government organisations on matters of immigration and relocation, we share knowledge, news and best practices with our members and associate members through meetings and online platforms.
Maecenas tempus, condimentume.
Government Relations
When the Association of Relocation Professionals in the Netherlands (ARPN) was founded in 2006, its first goal was to become a prominent discussion partner for the Dutch government on relocation and immigration matters such as policy development and execution. We have achieved that goal as we now attend several structural and adventitious meetings with policy makers at the Ministry of Security and Justice; Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND); Employee Insurance Schemes Implementing Body (UWV); and leading expat centres throughout the Netherlands.
Measurable Results
ARPN’s contributions to discussions and meetings with governmental bodies have been successful on numerous occasions. One recent accomplishment concerns the remuneration of parental leave (Dutch: ouderschapsverlof) for highly skilled migrants. According to the Dutch Labour & Care Law, companies in the Netherlands are legally obliged to allow parents of children aged up to eight years up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave. In many cases, the salary dropped below the minimum level. ARPN brought this legal gap to the attention of the Dutch government. The authorities took notice of ARPN’s observations. Six weeks later IND was given new guidelines to make sure that the legislation would not disadvantage highly skilled migrants.
Proven Importance
The aforementioned example underlines the strength of ARPN’s lobbying. The Dutch Government – and its affiliated governmental bodies – views ARPN as a respected partner in the wide field of relocation and immigration and includes it in developing and amending legal regulations. ARPN has a voice that is heard by decision makers. The Association has a proven track record and truly represents most of the high quality Dutch relocation and immigration specialists. ARPN stands up for its members, because these members have proven their value as well. They make sure that their clients receive the best possible treatment, in perfect collaboration with ARPN.
Business Interactions
ARPN members convene twice a year in a general meeting where they share knowledge on trends and legislation that directly affect the relocation market. Examples include a Q&A with a tax specialist explaining the ramifications of a proposed policy change directly affecting skilled migrants, and a legal presentation on correctly handling members’ clients’ privacy sensitive data in light of the GDPR. After the meeting, members may network during social gatherings.
Online, members can follow and learn about major trends and developments through ARPN’s news section on its website.
ARPN encourages members to consider each other as sources of inspiration and knowledge, with the collective goal of keeping the overall quality of relocation services in the Netherlands at a consistently high level.
