Expat Centre Leiden Becomes Leiden International Centre
Expat Centre Leiden (ECL), an activity of Leiden&Partners, will continue as Leiden International Centre (LIC) from now on. Many internationals did not recognize themselves in the term 'expat'. The working time for a large proportion of knowledge workers exceeds five years. Many of them also intend to make their stay more permanent. The new name therefore better reflects the identity of the knowledge workers. Together with its partners, Leiden International Centre has made new agreements until January 1, 2025 regarding services and financing for this group.
Advice and support
The renewed commitment of partners results in a key role for the Leiden International Centre in the non-profit support of international newcomers and companies in the Leiden region. More than 11% of the Leiden population is an 'international', someone who does not have Dutch nationality. More than 19,000 internationals live in the Leiden region. “We advise employers and support internationals and their families at every stage of their journey, from initial registration appointments to organizing social events.” says manager Corine van der Ceelen. “Additionally, attracting and retaining international talent is vital. With the Leiden International Centre we play a role in national, provincial and regional Human Capital Agendas. In this way we influence and contribute to the business climate for companies in the Leiden region.”
Record year
2022 was a record year. There were 681 registrations and 800 contact moments at the helpdesk, which illustrates the crucial role of Leiden International Centre as a point of contact for international newcomers in the Leiden region. Internationals are received at the helpdesk of the Leiden International Centre, located in the Stadskantoor in LEVEL. The desk is staffed by employees of the Leiden International Centre.
From January 20, the name change has been implemented on all channels of the old Expat Centre Leiden. Read all about it at www.leideninternationalcentre.nl.
Contact Corine van der Ceelen, manager Leiden International Centre, with any further questions.
About Leiden International Centre
Leiden has 11.6% residents without Dutch nationality. Nearly 15,000 internationals, knowledge workers and labor migrants work in the Leiden region. There are 19,000 internationals living in the Leiden region. These are knowledge workers, labor migrants, students, income-dependent partners and children.
By organizing the Leiden International Centre (LIC) on a regional scale, the Leiden region presents itself as an international knowledge region. Moreover, it offers internationals a warm welcome and strengthens the region as an attractive location for international organizations to establish themselves. The Leiden International Centre acts as a knowledge institute for the region in the field of the international knowledge economy. Through discussions with internationals and the presence in national consultative bodies, the Leiden International Centre can send signals back to policymakers.
Partners of Leiden International Centre from January 2023 are: the municipalities of Leiden, Leiderdorp, Voorschoten and Zoeterwoude, LUMC, Leiden Bio Science Park Foundation, Leiden&Partners and Leiden University.