Human trafficking

Countering human trafficking is a European Union (EU) priority. Victims are often among the most vulnerable groups in society, such as asylum seekers and irregular migrants.

Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, reception or housing of a person under duress and with the aim of exploiting them. Exploitation may involve being coerced to work under poor working conditions, child labour, forced prostitution or being forced to cooperate in criminal activities. Victims and witnesses who do not have a valid residence permit in the Netherlands may be eligible for a residence permit if they report human trafficking. In doing so, the Netherlands aims to encourage people to file reports.

In the Netherlands, the National Rapporteur on Human Trafficking plays an important role in combating human trafficking. The Rapporteur monitors the effects of anti-trafficking policies and submits recommendations on improving them. At the European level, the Anti-trafficking Coordinator plays a similar role for the EU.