Migrant workers under scrutiny: how employers can recognize a reliable staffing partner 

International workers are indispensable to many companies in logistics, production and agriculture. At the same time, there is increasing attention on the conditions in which migrant workers live and work in the Netherlands. 

Recent inspections by the Westland Inspection Team show why this remains important. For employers, this is a good reason to take a critical look at the staffing agencies they work with. After all, employing international workers involves much more than simply filling a vacancy. 

But how can you recognize a reliable staffing partner? 

 

Certification as a foundation 

First of all, check whether a staffing agency holds relevant certifications, such as the SNA quality mark and, when accommodation is provided, SNF certification. 

Certifications provide an important foundation, but it is equally important to look at how things work in practice. A reliable staffing partner should be able to clearly explain how employees are paid, accommodated and supported. 

 

Good accommodation and support 

When accommodation is part of the service, you as a client should be able to ask how it is arranged. Who inspects the accommodation? How many people live there? And who can employees contact if there are problems? 

The same applies to support. International workers often need help with practical matters such as documents, transport and accommodation. Even after their first day at work, it should be clear who they can turn to for assistance. 

For employers, this accessibility is just as important. When something changes or goes wrong, you want to be able to quickly contact someone who knows what is happening. 

 

Clarity about pay and employment conditions 

A reliable staffing partner also ensures accurate working-hour registration, clear payslips and the correct application of the applicable employment conditions. 

As a client, you should be able to ask questions about how these matters are handled. Transparency prevents misunderstandings and helps avoid problems later on. 

 

How does OPUS. do this? 

At OPUS. staffing agency, we believe our responsibility goes beyond simply finding and placing an employee. 

OPUS. is SNA and SNF certified. In addition, we maintain direct oversight of the accommodation provided to our employees. We deliberately choose smaller-scale housing locations, which are regularly inspected by our facility coordinator. 

We also pay attention to everything employees need to get off to a good start. This includes documents, accommodation, transport and practical support. After that, our recruiters, back-office team and facility staff remain involved. 

This means that not only our employees have a clear point of contact, but our clients also know exactly who to contact when quick action is required. 

 

Look beyond the hourly rate 

The rate is, of course, important when choosing a staffing agency. But it is equally important to look at what happens behind that rate. 

Ask about certifications, accommodation and support. Look at how employment conditions are handled and ask who you can call if something does not go according to plan tomorrow. 

For us, that is exactly where the difference lies between simply supplying staff and truly being a reliable staffing partner. 

 

Source: Municipality of Westland, “Actief eerste halfjaar voor Westlands Controle Team”, 19 August 2026.