Half of emigrants return to the Netherlands

Forty-six thousand Dutch people emigrated from the Netherlands in 2003. Some of these emigrants return to the Netherlands after a number of years, as departure is not always definite. Of all emigrants who left the Netherlands in 1995 just over half had returned eight years later.

The tendency to return is decreasing though: nearly 30 percent of emigrants who left in 1995 had returned after two years, while this percentage was just over 20 for emigrants who left in 2001.

Return of Dutch emigrants by year of departure and duration of stay abroad

Return of Dutch emigrants by year of departure and duration of stay abroad

Many people return from Indonesia

Dutch people who moved to Singapore, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, Indonesia or Suriname returned to the Netherlands more often than average. On the other hand, less than 30 percent of people who moved to Canada and New Zealand came back.

Dutch emigrants (1995) who had returned 8 years later, by country of destination

Dutch emigrants (1995) who had returned 8 years later, by country of destination

Young people more likely to return

It is the younger generation in particular who tend to return to the Netherlands. After four years 60 to 70 percent of Dutch emigrants aged 17 to 22 when they left have retuned to the Netherlands. These are mainly students who study abroad for a period of time. Older people are less likely on average to return.

Dutch emigrants (1995) who had returned 4 years later, by age at departure

Dutch emigrants (1995) who had returned 4 years later, by age at departure

Han Nicolaas