HOWDO magazine summer 2020

Page 37

Holland Expat Center South

Holland Expat Center South Continues to Help Internationals Settle into the Region By Olivia van den Broek-Neri Holland Expat Center South reopened its doors on June 3, but due

though it is possible that there

to the novel corona virus measures, it is currently open only for

will be in-person events over the

those with an appointment. Although the majority of the employees

coming months, depending on

are still working from home, a few Expat Center employees are back in

the current regulations.

the office! “It is nice to be back at the office!” says Marleen Strategier, Hospitality Coach at Holland Expat Center South. “It is nice to see the internationals in real life again, to reconnect with our colleagues from city hall and the IND, and from the Expat Center itself.” Citlali Alonso, who works in the Back Office: “Helping them with their inquiries about settling into the region is a very gratifying feeling!” Even when the Expat Center’s office was closed, internationals and companies were able to contact the Expat Center with questions. During the initial outbreak of the coronavirus in the Netherlands, those questions focused more on the status of a residence card,

Holland Expat Center South is a

and consequences of not being able to pick up a residence cards or

nonprofit governmental agency. It

to give biometrics. “We also had questions from internationals who

is a one-stop shop for highly skilled

had expired permits, but could not return to their home country,”

migrants,

says Citlali.

and their families who can obtain

scientific

researchers

their BSN number and/or residence

Before March, it was common for people to stop by with all kind of

permit at its office located on the

questions, but unfortunately, it is currently not permitted to walk into

Vestdijk. Contact the Expat Center

the Expat Center, questions can be asked by telephone or email.

to schedule an appointment or

Marleen, and Citlali are not the only ones who are glad that the

with any questions about settling

Expat Center has reopened: “The relocators are happy that we are

into the region. There is no charge

open again and offer the one-stop service!” says Marleen. “Companies

for their services.

are glad that colleagues from the IND and the city hall are present at

T+31 (0)40 238-6775

our office again, which means that their employees can once again

info@hollandexpatcenter.com

finalize their formalities with the city hall and IND on the same day,”

www.hollandexpatcenter.com

explains Marleen. Have a look at the Corona Portal

All of the Expat Center’s in-person events have been canceled since

for Brabant’s non-Dutch speaking

mid-March. However, there have been several events that have taken

community:

place online, including Expat Webinars about purchasing a house,

www.hollandexpatcenter.com/

studying Dutch and Dutch labour law. Some events will remain online,

corona-portal/.

37


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