The number of refugees from Ukraine finding paid work in the Netherlands has risen again. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), half of them, aged between 15 and 65, had a job on May 1. Six months ago, the percentage was still 44 percent.

The statistics agency indicates that the share of Ukrainian refugees in paid work rose strongly among women in six months. For example, on November 1 of last year, 44% of them had a job, and at the beginning of May of this year it was 51%. Among men, 49 percent were working in a paid job, according to the latest figures from Statistics Netherlands.

Most refugees worked as on-call or temporary workers. Many people also had other temporary employment contracts. The majority worked part-time: nearly three in ten worked 30 to 35 hours. The statistics agency said 18 percent of Ukrainian refugees have full-time jobs of 35 hours or more.

Most people worked in business services, just over half. But since the temporary employment sector also falls within this sector, it is difficult for the Central Statistical Office to determine in which industries Ukrainians eventually end up. In addition, 31% of refugees coming from Ukraine work in the trade, transportation and catering sectors.

CBS points out that Ukrainian refugees do not need a work permit to work in the Netherlands. This puts them in an exceptional position compared to other non-EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) migrants. The European Free Trade Association is a partnership between the European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. (AP)