‘Work is like oxygen - without it you lose your health’

Seare fled his country because of political problems and conflicts between ethnic groups. He belongs to the Tigrinya, a large minority group in Ethiopia. Before it became dangerous, he worked in medical imaging for more than 30 years. First as a radiographer, later as a medical radiological technologist (MRT). Since there was a shortage of radiologists, he made X-rays, ultrasounds, CT and MRI scans and also made diagnoses.

In the Netherlands, his primary focus was on his safety. He has now had accommodation in Amsterdam for three months and is learning the language. A1 he has now completed; this year he started with A2. He practises as much as possible on his own by listening, talking and meeting people.

But finding work remains difficult. “Language is the biggest barrier to this,” Seare says. And not all jobs suit his age, or physical condition. Lifting, bending or standing a lot is too hard. He is currently taking a six-month course in cooking and serving - but his heart is in his own field.

Contact

Ideally, Seare would like to work as an assistant radiographer. “I know what my level is. And that a technologist is not allowed to diagnose here. Assisting is fine by me.”

But working in a hospital requires perfect command of the Dutch language. Although his college degree has been recognised in the Netherlands, formal professional registration is still pending.

He is also still awaiting his own contact. In the asylum seekers' centre, COA helped with translation (Tigrinya and Amharic) and job search, but he did not have a BSN or status, which was a major obstacle. Now that he has both, language is the problem.

A contact can point him to opportunities, such as a voluntary internship in a hospital, for one to two days a week. “I would like to gain experience. Volunteering helps others and it costs nothing.”

Not dependent

Seare wants nothing more than to integrate and contribute. And for that, work is essential. “Work is health. Work keeps you sharp. Work is energy. It is like oxygen, or water.” As such, he would much rather work than receive benefits, even if he can make ends meet. “I don't want to be dependent. I want to help the elderly, or translate for refugees.”

As a status holder, Seare is allowed to vote in the municipal elections on 18 March 2026. He knows little of the details, but the principle is clear to him. He compares it to the saying that if everyone cleans the space in front of their house, the whole street will be clean; “Everyone's vote has value, because together we can achieve something. That is why I see voting as both my right and my duty.” His vote will go to a party with strong plans for newcomers - and jobs.

Work for status holders in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, 36% of status holders had paid work in 2023 - more than in many other cities and above the national average (Refugee Monitor 2025, Research and Statistics Amsterdam). Yet two in three do not yet have a job. The municipality offers personal coaching through client managers, job hunters and the Trajectory Participation and Language (until April 2026). This helps with language, work experience and participation. A pilot (from 2025) is underway to help asylum seekers find work faster. Voting on 18 March 2026 could bring more money and better guidance for language and jobs.

This election special was produced in collaboration with Network Newcomers Amsterdam (NNA). The NNA is funded by the Amsterdam municipality.