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Doubts grow over abolishing penalty payments for delayed WIA applications

◆1 source

Minister Hans Vijlbrief of Social Affairs and Employment said on Sunday in Buitenhof that he had increasing doubts about his bill to temporarily abolish periodic penalty payments for WIA applications. Applicants are entitled to payment if the UWV takes too long to process their application, but Vijlbrief had proposed temporarily removing the administrative fines because of serious delays. The bill’s status was not otherwise specified.

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Work

Allegations of discrimination in UWV fraud enforcement

11 sources

Reports based on confidential documents and accounts from current and former employees alleged that UWV’s Enforcement Department more often imposed fines, and imposed higher fines, in fraud investigations involving people with bicultural or non-traditionally Dutch surnames. The reports also alleged racism, discrimination and ethnic profiling within the department’s workplace culture. UWV’s new chief executive, Abdeluheb Choho, apologised and said he opposed racism. Social Affairs Minister Hans Vijlbrief called the alleged unequal treatment unacceptable and asked UWV for a thorough investigation and appropriate measures. National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism Rabin Baldewsingh condemned the allegations, while trade union FNV said it was shocked but not surprised.