Unemployment growth rate among foreigners slowing down

Unemployment among people with a non-western background increased to 16 percent in 2004. The unemployment rate in 2003 was over 14 percent. Nevertheless the unemployment growth rate among foreigners is now slowing down. Unemployment among the indigenous population grew from 4.2 percent in 2003 to 5.2 percent in 2004. Unemployment has not been this high since 1997. Unemployment among Moroccans in particular rose dramatically.

Unemployment among 15–64 year-olds by ethnic background

Unemployment among Moroccans more than doubled since 2001

People with a non-western background are on average three times more often unemployed than native Dutch people.

In 2004 unemployment did not increase equally among the various non-western groups. Among Moroccans unemployment has more than doubled since 2001, whereas unemployment growth was far less substantial among all other non-western ethnic groups. Because unemployment among Moroccans is rising at such a fast rate, it was the highest figure in 2004, if all groups with a foreign background are taken into account.

Unemployment among non-western foreigners (aged 15–64)

Unemployment is relatively low among Surinamese, almost 2 percent were jobless in 2004. Yet unemployment among Surinamese is twice the average.

Less difference among young people

Young people in the age category 15–24 are more often unemployed than average. The differences between young foreign and native people are smaller than among older generations. In 2004 young people with a Moroccan background were unemployed twice as often as young native Dutch people. All Moroccans (aged 15–64), however, are four times more often unemployed than all native Dutch people in the same age category. Among young people with an Aruban, Antillean or Turkish background the differences are also less striking.

Unemployment among 15–64 year-olds by origin and age

Ingrid Beckers