Dutch Immigration Service Revokes Permit of Largest Au Pair Agency, Nina.Care

Major Au Pair Agency Loses Operating Permit in Netherlands

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) in the Netherlands has announced its decision to withdraw the recognized sponsorship status from Nina.Care, the country's largest au pair agency. This significant move means that Nina.Care is no longer permitted to bring au pairs from outside the European Union to the Netherlands. The revocation of the permit impacts both the agency's operations and the many au pairs and host families who rely on its services.

Understanding the Au Pair Program and IND's Role

The au pair program in the Netherlands, much like in other countries, is designed to facilitate cultural exchange. Young people, typically from non-EU countries, come to live with host families, provide light household assistance and childcare, and immerse themselves in Dutch culture and language. For an agency to legally facilitate the arrival of au pairs from outside the EU, it must hold a special 'recognized sponsorship' status with the IND.

The IND is the government body responsible for implementing immigration laws in the Netherlands. It oversees various visa and permit processes, including those for au pairs, ensuring that agencies and individuals comply with strict national regulations. This oversight is crucial for protecting the welfare of au pairs and maintaining the integrity of the program.

Reasons for the Revocation

While specific details regarding the exact violations leading to the permit revocation were not immediately made public, the IND's decision indicates that Nina.Care failed to meet the necessary criteria for its recognized sponsorship status. Such criteria often include adherence to rules concerning working conditions, accommodation, payment, and the overall well-being of the au pairs. The withdrawal of this status is a serious measure, suggesting that significant issues were identified during the IND's assessment of the agency's operations.

The decision to revoke a permit is not taken lightly by the IND, as it has far-reaching consequences. It underscores the Dutch authorities' commitment to ensuring that au pair programs are conducted fairly and legally, safeguarding against potential exploitation and promoting genuine cultural exchange as intended.

What happens next

Following this decision, Nina.Care will no longer be able to arrange for new au pairs from outside the EU to come to the Netherlands. The agency may have options to appeal the IND's ruling, which could involve legal proceedings to challenge the revocation. For au pairs currently in the Netherlands through Nina.Care, and their host families, the situation creates uncertainty. The IND will likely provide guidance on how existing au pair arrangements will be handled, potentially requiring au pairs to find new recognized sponsors or, in some cases, to return to their home countries if no alternative arrangements can be made within a specified timeframe. Host families will also need to seek alternative arrangements for childcare and household support.