Future of the IWCN!

On November 3^rd, 2016, the International Welcome Center North (IWCN) celebrated its second anniversary!

The IWCN is a one-stop shop for international people living in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe and offers services in three areas:  government formalities (residence permits and municipal registration for highly-skilled migrants, scientific researchers, Orientation year applicants, and start-ups); information (practical information and referrals to reliable service providers); and social activities (a chance to start building a social and/or business network during activities and events). All of this happens at one location on the Gedempte Zuiderdiep 98 in Groningen and the IWCN is open five days per week from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs.

The IWCN was formed to help attract and retain international talent in the Northern Netherlands. It is a cooperation between the Gemeente Groningen, Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND), University of Groningen (representing the knowledge institutions UMCG and Hanze University of Applied Sciences), and Stichting Connect International. The supporters of the IWCN are the Provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe, Philips, Gasunie, Gasterra, Noorderlink, International School Groningen, Groningseschool Vereniging, and the municipalities Groningen, Assen, Leeuwarden, Heerenveen, Smallingerland (Drachten), Ten Boer, Hoogezand-Sappemeer, Eemsmond, Emmen, Veendam, and Noordenveld.

The IWCN was given funding initially for two years (until 31 December 2016) and then was evaluated to determine whether it would continue or not. Fortunately, the first two years were definitely a success and the IWCN has received approval by the founders and supporters to continue for the next four years (until 31 December 2020)!

What has the IWCN achieved since its founding?
More than 75 companies or organizations have used the services of the IWCN for formalities and many others have obtained information about the process of hiring internationals. Since many companies cannot find the talent they need within the Dutch population, they need to recruit from abroad to survive. Studies have shown that a multicultural team of employees increases creativity and drives innovation through diversity, thus increasing productivity in a competitive world.

The IWCN has assembled 36 Service Partners who are experts in various fields and can provide services in English to internationals and organizations who hire them. Through the multiple events that the IWCN has organized, such as HR-Expert Breakfasts or the Be Smart – Be International event, organizations have had the opportunity to ask questions and receive assistance or advice on a great variety of issues.

The IWCN expected to process 500 formality clients per year and in the year 2015, about 850 were served, while in 2016, 750 formality clients were predicted and more than 1300 were processed. Over 102 nationalities have utilized the formalities services of the IWCN; thus more than half of all the official nationalities in the world have come to the IWCN.

The target to help 1250 people per year (interactions through visits, phone calls and emails) with information and referrals was also far exceeded in the past two years as more than 5300 to date were served (in 2015, 2150 and in 2016, 3150).

Likewise, internationals themselves have attended many events aimed at helping them feel connected to the Northern Netherlands and encouraging them to stay here. Events such as the Professional Development Fair, Dutch Customs & Culture workshops, Easy Dutch Cafés, Coffee Mornings and Pub Nights, special interest groups, Tax Seminars, etc, just to name a few.

In the coming four years, the IWCN plans to expand on its projects in cooperation with dozens of participating companies, organizations and governmental agencies in three areas:  International Jobs (encompassing a job portal and career events); Talent, Knowledge and Innovation (including innovation projects; trainee/internships; market research); and Community and Information (English language regional news and info bulletin Northern Times; digital map of international companies in the Northern Netherlands).

Thus, the future looks bright for both internationals seeking to come to, stay and work in the Northern Netherlands, and companies and organizations looking to utilize their talents. Here’s to the next exciting four years!