In conversation with... Emanuela Hermes

1. Why are you a member of OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen?
I believe in the power of regional cooperation and connection. The network offers an excellent platform to share knowledge, make contacts, and strengthen the region together.

2. What does the OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen network mean to you?
The network functions as a valuable bridge between different sectors: business, government, education, and social organizations. These connections lead to new insights and collaborations that are essential for the development of the region. For me personally, the network provides inspiration and a platform to highlight the interests of internationals and the importance thereof.

3. What do you think are the boundless possibilities of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen has incredible potential due to its unique location between various economic centers and cultures. The combination of space, nature, and a strategic position between the ports of Antwerp, Ghent, and Vlissingen offers economic opportunities that we can further exploit. We do not see the border position as a limitation but rather as an opportunity—literally thinking without boundaries.

4. How do you see your role and ambition within OnbegrensdZeeuwsVlaanderen?
Specifically, I want to:

• Further improve and make services for internationals more accessible;
• Advise companies on attracting international talent;
• Play an active role in connecting various stakeholders within the network;
• Share knowledge and experience about what internationals need to feel at home in our region.

5. What do you consider important for Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
For me, it is important that everyone can feel at home in Zeeland, Zeeuws-Vlaanderen—whether you were born here, are returning, or come from afar to build something here. In my work with internationals, I see every day how important things like education, reliable connections, and practical facilities are. Without that foundation, it is difficult to really settle. The uniqueness of this region is valuable. At the same time, we do not have to stand still—new people and ideas can actually contribute something beautiful. It's about balance: room for development, with attention to our nature, the landscape, and everything that makes this place unique.

6. Why should people come to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
Zeeuws-Vlaanderen offers what many people are looking for: space, tranquility, and at the same time proximity to urban amenities. Here you can still find affordable housing in a beautiful environment, with the vibrancy of major cities like Antwerp and Ghent within easy reach. For employees, there is a growing job market with innovative companies in various sectors. For families, the region offers an environment with good facilities. Moreover, the location between the Netherlands and Belgium provides a unique multicultural experience you won't find anywhere else.

7. What developments are currently taking place at the Expat Center Zeeland?
Name change of Expat Center Zeeland
The current name no longer suffices for the target groups served by the Expat Center: namely knowledge workers, labor migrants, international students, and employers. The choice of the new name reflects our ambition to better align our identity with our vision and the direction we want to take. It is an important milestone that enables us to further position ourselves and better connect with our target groups and the broader international services, such as the arrival of the IND and our WIN project (Work in NL).

WIN (stands for Work in NL)
It is a national project that helps labor migrants at information points with practical matters such as housing, working, and integrating in the Netherlands. In Zeeland, this is carried out through the Zeeland International Center. The goal is to better inform labor migrants and employers about their rights and obligations. And also about living and working in Zeeland. Many companies in sectors such as healthcare, industry, hospitality, agriculture, and fisheries depend on their efforts. That is why it is important to have services and arrangements for these employees. For us, this means an expansion of our services. Soon, labor migrants and employers will be able to come to us with questions about, for example, work permits, insurance, and taxes.

8. Which recent development do you think is really positive for Zeeuws-Vlaanderen?
In January, the new one-stop-shop counter was officially opened. Previously, knowledge workers coming from countries outside the European Union had to go to various agencies to arrange administrative matters. Sometimes even to Den Bosch or The Hague. Now, these highly skilled migrants can arrange their residence documents, registration, and other matters at a single location (in Goes). This is possible thanks to our cooperation with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and the Zeeland municipalities. This saves time and makes Zeeland more attractive for international employees and their employers.