The Hague – Nour El-Din Amrani

Racism, discrimination, and ethnic profiling are part of the prevailing culture within the enforcement division of the UWV (the Dutch social insurance agency). This finding emerged from an investigation conducted by the newspaper *AD* and the television program *EenVandaag*, based on confidential documents and interviews with current and former employees.
Reports indicate that incidents, indications, and formal complaints regarding racism and discrimination at the UWV are often dismissed or not taken seriously, a situation attributed to a discriminatory mindset regarding the distinction between native Dutch citizens and those of immigrant backgrounds. Ten current and former employees interviewed expressed this view, noting that management failed to intervene or provide redress for those subjected to discrimination. Furthermore, the results of an internal investigation raised significant questions, revealing that individuals with non-Dutch surnames were more likely to face swift fines and harsh penalties.
Staff members described a "toxic atmosphere" that drives employees of color to leave the organization. One official remarked, "We keep making the same mistakes over and over again."
The agency is responsible for investigating fraud within the UWV and has the authority to impose fines or sanctions for violations—whether resulting from deliberate misuse or errors committed unintentionally. Minke van den Berg worked in the personnel department of the organization in question and conducted exit interviews with departing staff. She recounted: "They told me that individuals with foreign-sounding names were subjected to extra scrutiny and that customers were treated like criminals; they simply couldn't bear it."
Van den Berg decided to raise the issue with her manager, but it had little effect; nothing changed. She says, "All the files were simply cast aside," and describes how her own life became miserable: "I felt truly isolated and deeply saddened. I received abusive emails filled with profanity. I reported this to the enforcement department manager; I was told action would be taken, yet I heard talk that I was merely blowing things out of proportion."
Now retired, Van den Berg wants to tell her story openly. While this does not apply to employees still working at the UWV or those who have found other jobs, one after another, they confirm the picture she paints with further examples. The issues involve discrimination and racism—both within the workplace and directed at customers—and they share their experiences because they believe a cultural shift is necessary.
Two former department employees recount that, in the hiring process, candidates were sometimes not even invited for interviews based on their background. If they were granted an interview, they were ultimately rejected for that same reason. "We were sitting with a very pleasant young woman who had genuine experience, but she was of Moroccan descent. Afterward, the comment was made: 'I can't connect with that type of person.'" "So I was left speechless."
Officials not born in the Netherlands are dubbed the "Arab League." Such comments come not only from colleagues but also from superiors. One investigator states: "The solution lies not within the institution, but in expelling all Moroccans and immigrants, and going after those labeled as 'suspicious Turks.'"