Amsterdam politicians are cautioning against scapegoating highly-skilled migrants for the city’s housing crisis. Instead, they advocate for their inclusion in democratic discussions regarding the issue.

The D66 party is worried that social challenges like housing shortages are unfairly attributed to immigrants. Erik Schmit, a D66 councillor, emphasizes that knowledge migrants, comprising approximately 7% of Amsterdam’s population, should not be solely blamed for issues related to affordable housing and social cohesion.

A policy proposal from the PvdA party suggests that companies hiring knowledge migrants should contribute to housing solutions and provide integration courses. This proposal is set to be debated soon.

Recent headlines have pointed to an “immigration wave” of expats as the cause of a decline in social cohesion. The PvdA’s plan aims to integrate highly-skilled immigrants into Amsterdam by offering Dutch language and history courses, as well as introductions to Dutch customs and locals, funded by employers. The goal is to encourage them to consider Amsterdam their home.

Lisa Putman, a researcher from the SCP, suggests that social cohesion is relatively strong, although strained. She says behavior is more closely related to education level rather than country of origin.

While the PvdA proposes connecting internationals with volunteering organisations, there is evidence that internationals already make up most of the volunteer group in some organizations.

In 2023, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema encouraged expats to be more involved in the community.

Research by SEO indicates that a tax break for highly-skilled migrants has a minimal impact on house price increases in Amsterdam. In 2022, this perk increased rental prices by 0.9% and sale prices by 1.8%, while the total price inflation was around 11%.

Dr. Jeroen Doomernik highlights that gentrification and rising house prices have significantly affected the city.

EU and non-EU citizens who have resided in the Netherlands for five years are eligible to vote in local elections on March 18, 2026.