Expatica News reported last week that immigrants who can prove they have an employment offer and a contract of employment for at least one year will be granted legal permission to work in Madrid. In addition, immigrants have to pay social security to qualify for the work permits. Furthermore, illegal immigrants who can prove they have been in the country for a “sufficient time” will be granted legal status.

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In Amsterdam last week it was reported that lawyers and other experts addressed a Dutch parliamentary hearing about the recent increase in complaints about the IND, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service.  Grievances towards the IND included claims that the IND has become so shortsighted of its own procedures and so unwilling to investigate case files that those seeking residence permits are experiencing long delays. 

It was further alleged that IND officials and staff frequently avoid and discount court rulings that favor asylum seekers, causing immigration procedures to take even longer for these aliens.  Some lawyers have argued that the IND will look for contradictions in the court ruling or simply not directly act on the ruling, further hindering the timely immigration path to naturalization. 

Other complaints deal with difficulties contacting the IND with simple questions or problems.  It was reported that 94 percent of callers to the IND helpline were not able to get through in the promised three minutes of hold time.  In recent years, the Dutch government has looked towards limiting the flow of immigrants into the country.  Instead the government aims to concentrate on integrating those immigrants already in the country into the Dutch society and culture.