Working as a Foreigner in the Netherlands: Bianca and Ionel’s Journey in Production Work in Veenendaal

At our branch in Veenendaal, we spoke with Bianca Manea (25) and Ionel Virlan (27). A couple who began their journey in the Netherlands together through AB Midden Nederland. They spoke openly about their experiences, their life here, and their plans for the future.

A smooth start in the Netherlands thanks to a reliable employment agency

When Ionel got the chance to work in the Netherlands, he didn’t hesitate. “I wasn’t nervous about moving to the Netherlands. I had already lived and worked abroad, so it wasn’t new to me,” he says. Through Facebook, he got in touch with AB Midden Nederland. “They gave me an address, I went there, and everything was already arranged. It was professional and well-organized.”

That smooth start gave Ionel the confidence to bring his girlfriend Bianca over later. They now live and work together in the Netherlands, using the housing provided by AB Midden Nederland. They also drive an electric car from the agency, allowing them to travel to work sustainably.

Proud to work at Overeem in Veenendaal

Bianca and Ionel both work at Overeem via AB Midden Nederland, a company specialized in producing metal profiles. They are active as production workers. The job is varied, precise, and requires attention to detail. They are proud of their contribution to the production process and feel valued within the team.

A comfortable home, thanks to good housing for temporary workers

Being able to live and work together is very important to Bianca and Ionel. “It’s a really nice place with a lovely garden where we sit and relax during the summer,” Bianca says enthusiastically. In their free time, they enjoy cooking and gardening. They even grow their own vegetables and plants.

Their life in the Netherlands suits them well. Ionel shares, “I’m ready to work on my future. We would like to start a family here. The Netherlands is a great country; our experience here has been very good.”

Staying in touch with home and noticing cultural differences

Although they enjoy their life in the Netherlands, they remain in contact with friends and family in Romania. “They are often surprised when I tell them what is possible here. They’re happy that I’m working here, and sometimes I can even help them,” says Ionel.

What stands out the most is how helpful the Dutch are. Ionel: “If you need help, people will help you right away. That’s the biggest difference with Romania.” Bianca adds that she immediately fell in love with the Dutch landscape. “Those beautiful flower fields… so amazing!” she says with a smile. They regularly capture the colorful bulb fields with their drone.

Grateful for the opportunities they’ve received

Bianca and Ionel are happy with the opportunities they’ve received through AB Midden Nederland. They feel welcome here and are determined to build a future together. Their positive experience has inspired others too: two of their friends have also come to the Netherlands and now work via AB Midden Nederland. A great example of how satisfied employees can become ambassadors.