Work permits for Asian cuisine chefs

By: Together Abroad 07-10-2014

After prolonged negotiations, an agreement has been signed that makes it easier for certified chefs in Asian cuisine to get work permits in The Netherlands.

The Wokakoord was signed on 29th September after negotiations were concluded between Lodewijk Asscher, Minister of Social Affairs and Employment and the Asian Hospitality Association, Aziatische Horeca Vereniging (AHV).

The Asian hotels and catering sector will be receiving 1,650 work permits in the first year and 1,500 in the second year for chefs specialising in Asian cuisine, stated Algemeen Dagblad. In return, the sector must train Dutch chefs so that they may acquire the required skills that can be suitable for Asian cuisine in the future.

“It is a tough job but we like to take on a challenge,” said Frank Chan. He spoke on behalf of AHV, the Association of Chinese Caterers, Vereniging Chinese Horeca Ondernemers, the Thai Restaurant Association and Royal Catering of the Netherlands, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland.

According to NU.nl, there is possibility for the sector to collaborate with ROCs to train Dutch chefs in Asian cuisine and such collaboration could produce 750 sustainable jobs for Dutch chefs.

Rugymia Tweed