This interview presents the personal story of an expat who relocated to the Netherlands under the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme, with support from All About Expats. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. If you would like to learn more about our services, please feel free to contact us.
From Suriname to the Netherlands: Amrit’s Experience
When Amrit Merhai moved from Suriname to the Netherlands at the age of 25, a new chapter began for him. He has now been working for nearly three years at the Environmental Agency of Southeast Brabant as an industrial supervisor, a job he obtained through the collaboration of a Surinamese secondment agency, a Dutch recruitment agency, and All About Expats.
Moving to the Netherlands
Before relocating, Amrit spent four years working in Suriname’s mining sector as a junior engineer. The work was demanding, with long days of 12 to 16 hours and a strict schedule of 14 days working and 7 days off. While the experience was valuable, he realized it wasn’t a long-term path for him. Limited opportunities for career growth and high work pressure led him to explore new opportunities.
Through a secondment agency in Suriname, his CV reached Xstate, a Dutch recruitment agency. This opened the door to a position in the Netherlands as an industrial supervisor.
“They told me I would be inspecting companies for compliance with environmental regulations. Learning about new processes every day and gaining new knowledge really appealed to me. I’m eager to learn, so this was a perfect fit.”
The role of All About Expats
As Xstate (the Dutch recruitment agency) was not a recognised partner of the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service), they partnered with All About Expats to handle the immigration process. From residence permits to visa arrangements, everything was managed seamlessly. Amrit rates their service a clear 5 out of 5.
“Everything went smoothly, with Patrick as my main contact. Documents, appointments with the IND, collecting my residence permit, Ana and Jill from the expat desk arranged it all. If anything was needed, I would get a message from the expat desk. It was reassuring to know everything was professionally taken care of.”
Amrit’s colleagues also had positive experiences with All About Expats. He recalls how a fellow expat from Suriname had problems with her landlord in the Netherlands. “All About Expats immediately stepped in and defended her rights as a tenant. Your company shows that you don’t just support employers but truly stand behind the expat. That gave us expats trust and respect.”
Getting to know and Integrate into the Netherlands
Although Amrit moved to the Netherlands alone at a relatively young age, he had some uncles and aunts living in the Netherlands. He also spoke Dutch fluently, as it was already his native language in Suriname, which made adapting easier. Still, he did a lot on his own:
“I’m curious and like to figure things out myself, but I knew that if I needed help, I could always turn to All About Expats.”
Differences between Suriname and the Netherlands
One of the biggest cultural differences Amrit noticed is the work culture.
Hierarchy
In Suriname, and within the Canadian company culture he experienced, hierarchy was clear and strict. In the Netherlands, he encountered a much flatter structure, where managers are approachable and collaboration is key.
Work-life balance
Work-life balance also stood out. In mining, Amrit often worked 12-hour days. In the Netherlands, he now works an average of 36 hours per week, with opportunities to work from home and flexible hours.
“For the first time, I feel I truly have a work-life balance. I can plan my time, take leave when I want, and focus on hobbies and exercise.”
Career development
Career development is another. major difference. In Suriname, promotion was rare, even for high performers. Both colleagues and Amrit himself were not recognized in the same way as in the Netherlands. Here, Amrit experiences more recognition and development opportunities.
“Here, effort and quality are rewarded. That motivates me to keep growing.”
Amrit’s expat community
In his daily life, Amrit meets many other expats in Eindhoven, especially from India. Many people assume he is from India and spontaneously start conversations with him, which allows him to learn more about Indians and their challenges.
He notices that language is often the biggest barrier.
“The Netherlands is one of the most expat-friendly countries, and almost everyone speaks English well. But for those who don’t speak Dutch, it can sometimes be harder to truly connect or integrate within a team.”
He has never personally experienced discrimination.
“My colleagues are friendly, we joke around, and I truly feel at home. That is a big difference from some of the stories I hear from others.”
Grateful for a smooth transition
For Amrit, moving to the Netherlands was a major step into the unknown, but one he remains happy about every day.
He is grateful for the opportunity he received and the support of All About Expats. His relocation has been the biggest change in his life so far.
“They made sure I could start here without worries. Thanks to them, I now work in an environment where I learn and grow every day.”
Amrit did not start his job at the Environmental Agency of Southeast Brabant unprepared. His previous work had already given him technical affinity and knowledge of machinery. At his current employer, he received a traineeship and an onboarding program. Additionally, his proactive attitude allowed him to acquire extra knowledge that he now applies daily in his work.
His advice to other expats:
“Be prepared, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The Netherlands offers many opportunities, and with the right guidance, such as from All About Expats, the transition becomes much easier.”
