Societal shortcoming
My mother used to say: “he who does good, receives good.” It is an old-fashioned proverb I like to use myself too. If you do good to others, they will do good to you. This is true in personal contacts, in business dealings and in social relations. When it comes to housing of migrant workers, the Netherlands is falling terribly short in societal terms. The results of a recent study by Expertisecentrum Flexwonen (Expertise Centre Flex Housing) demonstrate that there is a huge shortfall of decent dwellings for migrant workers: we are already 156,000 rooms short. If we were to accommodate international employees in regular housing, we would be talking about 43,000 houses. Housing - that's where the shoe pinches. 

Municipalities turn a blind eye
The solution is in the hands of local authorities who must develop a vision and demonstrate decisiveness by allowing housing in their municipalities. Yet, apart from a couple of courageous pioneers, many local governments turn a blind eye to the problem. They get cold feet or block plans at the slightest sign of opposition. The provincial authorities could and should play a role in this respect, by sharing experiences, formulating policies, and imposing specific housing completions. The elections to the Provincial Council are coming and new coalitions will be formed. My plea is clear: provinces must take the lead and ensure that municipalities seriously address the issue of housing for migrant workers.”