Labour migrant housing: a local governance challenge
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2025-08-21
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en
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The housing situation of labour migrants in the Netherlands has become a pressing societal matter. Labour migrants play a crucial role in the Dutch economy, yet often face precarious conditions in (large-scale) shared housing. As housing provision challenges arise locally, this thesis asks: ‘How do the local governance arrangements for adequate (large-scale) shared housing for labour migrants compare between the Dutch municipalities of Leudal and Zaltbommel?’
To answer this, the research applies the governance meta-framework of De Lange et al. (2013), conceptualizing governance through the interrelated dimensions of polity, policy, and politics. A comparative case study between Leudal and Zaltbommel was conducted using interviews with relevant actors alongside document and video analysis.
Findings reveal the housing issue as complex and multifaceted, with crucial arrangements spanning all governance dimensions. Key insights show that housing size causes resident fears, the link between work and housing persists, and policy often reflects market interests. While both municipalities show similar patterns, differences emerge in the degree of fear and use of innovative policy. Overall, governance is shaped by power dynamics, fragmentation, and disregard of migrant needs.
Recommendations include incorporating migrant voices in decision-making, aligning housing size with local surroundings, strengthening regional cooperation and fostering unity.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen