Holland Expat Center South Continues to Help Internationals Settle into the Region

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 to the novel corona virus measures, it is currently open only for those with an appointment. Although the majority of the employees are still working from home, a few Expat Center employees are back in 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, and consequences of not being able to pick up a residence cards or to give biometrics. “We also had questions from internationals who had expired permits, but could not return to their home country,” says Citlali.

Before March, it was common for people to stop by with all kind of questions, but unfortunately, it is currently not permitted to walk into the Expat Center, questions can be asked by telephone or email. Marleen, and Citlali are not the only ones who are glad that the Expat Center has reopened: “The relocators are happy that we are open again and offer the one-stop service!” says Marleen. “Companies are glad that colleagues from the IND and the city hall are present at our office again, which means that their employees can once again finalize their formalities with the city hall and IND on the same day,” explains Marleen.

All of the Expat Center’s in-person events have been canceled since mid-March. However, there have been several events that have taken place online, including Expat Webinars about purchasing a house, studying Dutch and Dutch labour law. Some events will remain online, though it is possible that there will be in-person events over the coming months, depending on the current regulations.

Holland Expat Center South is a nonprofit governmental agency. It is a one-stop shop for highly skilled migrants, scientific researchers and their families who can obtain their BSN number and/or residence permit at its office located on the Vestdijk. Contact the Expat Center to schedule an appointment or with any questions about settling into the region. There is no charge for their services. T+31 (0)40 238-6775 info@hollandexpatcenter.com www.hollandexpatcenter.com

Have a look at the Corona Portal for Brabant’s non-Dutch speaking community: www.hollandexpatcenter.com/ corona-portal/.

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