Building international careers, strengthening regional organisations
As employers across the Maastricht Region continue to face challenges in finding qualified staff, international talent is becoming increasingly important. The region attracts highly skilled professionals from around the world, many of whom are looking for opportunities to build their careers and settle locally. Helping employers connect with international talent is one of the key objectives of the Welcome to Maastricht Region programme.
To learn more about the opportunities and challenges involved in international recruitment, we spoke with Edwin Ummels, Consultant International Career Service at the Welcome to Maastricht Region programme.
The challenges of hiring internationally
While many organisations recognise the benefits of employing international professionals, the recruitment process can seem complicated, particularly for local companies that have not hired international staff before and international startups that are not yet fully acquainted with employment conditions in the Netherlands.
According to Ummels, employers often encounter administrative challenges related to visas, work permits and compliance requirements. For example, employers who wish to hire kennismigranten (highly skilled migrants) may need to become an erkende referent (recognised sponsor) with the Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst, IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). There are also salary thresholds and legal obligations that must be met. In addition to administrative procedures, practical issues such as housing shortages, relocation costs and workplace integration can create further challenges for both employers, international candidates and employees.
Many organisations successfully overcome these obstacles for internationals by investing in relocation support, specialist advice and inclusive workplace practices. However, knowing where to start can still be difficult for local employers who are considering international recruitment for the first time. The International Career Service works closely with employers to make international recruitment easier and more accessible.
Connecting with international talent
A key part of the programme’s work involves creating opportunities for employers and international professionals to meet directly. One example is the Internationals Meet Recruiters event, which brings together employers, recruiters and job seekers in an informal setting. As Ummels explains: ‘This event provides an efficient and accessible platform for both parties, where internationals at all stages of their employment journey can speak to several recruiters from a number of international companies in just a few hours. It's comparable to speed dating, where candidates and employers are encouraged to maintain contact.’
These events provide employers with direct access to motivated candidates while helping internationals better understand the opportunities available in the Maastricht Region. Alongside these networking events, regional and international career fairs are organised, offering individual career guidance sessions by working closely with educational institutions such as Maastricht University and RWTH Aachen University. Together, these activities help strengthen connections between talent and employers throughout the region.
Helping internationals stay and thrive
Recruitment is only one part of the story. Retaining international employees is equally important for employers who want to build stable and successful teams. Ummels believes that successful retention depends largely on how well people settle into their new environment. 'It helps considerably when internationals are settled in their new home and neighbourhood. They thrive when they feel part of the local community and are accepted at their workplace, which also provides them with healthy challenges and hopefully a career path.' This highlights the importance of supporting employees beyond the workplace. Access to housing, social networks, practical information and opportunities to integrate into the local community all contribute to a positive experience.
Practical support for you
One important area of support is providing reliable information and guidance. Together with Expat Centre Maastricht Region and other regional expert partners, the programme offers services for employers, international candidates, employees and cross-border workers. Free consultations are available for highly skilled migrants, their partners and employers through Expat Centre Maastricht Region. The programme also provides information for grenswerkers (cross-border workers) and employers operating across the national borders of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany through GrensInfoPunt Maastricht. The programme has dedicated account management support available for employers who need advice or guidance during the recruitment process.
Attracting and retaining talented international candidates for the most wanted profiles in the near future is our key mission.
Keep an open mind
For employers who have not yet hired international staff, Edwin Ummels encourages them to keep an open mind. ‘Many local employers still have "koudwatervrees" (cold feet) when considering employing a candidate from outside the Netherlands, and more so outside of the European Union (EU). There is an enormous pool of highly skilled talent both with and without local work experience and we see that the organisations who have already dipped their proverbial toe in are highly enthusiastic.'
He also encourages employers to seek support when they have questions or concerns. ‘Come to us with your questions and doubts, and we will assist you in finding the right answers for your own unique situation. Our Account Manager Marcel Dautzenberg, is ready and willing to advise you in these matters which will remove any obstacles and bring you into contact with several candidates eager to work for you.'
About Edwin Ummels
Edwin Ummels joined the Welcome to Maastricht Region programme in January 2025. After initially combining his role with work at CHILL in Geleen – an organisation that facilitates the development of talent for a sustainable world in the fields of chemistry, materials and biotechnology in Limburg – he now focuses fully on the programme's International Career Service. Prior to this, Ummels worked for several years in commercial recruitment. That experience gave him valuable insight into the labour market in the Netherlands and the challenges employers face when trying to attract the right people. Today, he uses that knowledge to support international professionals who are looking for employment, a traineeship or a new career direction in the Maastricht Region. The International Career Service is designed not only to help international talent find suitable opportunities, but also to support employers seeking access to a broader and more diverse talent pool.
