Geen Kok, Geen Wok
Why did the Asian catering rights protection organization launch a petition campaign?
More than two years ago, the Action Group of the Asian Catering Rights Protection Organization took the initiative to raise concerns about "protecting Chinese chefs". However, the current development is influencing the entire Asian catering industry. The purpose of launching the petition is to inform the Dutch public of the importance of protecting professional chefs and restaurants. Asian catering enterprises are an important part of small and medium-sized enterprises and have jointly made significant contributions to the Dutch economy. In addition, Chinese-Indian restaurants have been declared as intangible cultural heritage of the Netherlands. They are unique culinary and social phenomena in the Netherlands. However, they, along with their Asian counterparts, are facing tremendous survival pressure.
Court hearing
April 2, 2025
As of July 1, 2024, the specific job requirements for Asian chefs to apply for work permits have been abolished.
This means that employers in the Asian hotel industry can no longer put forward specific requirements for the knowledge and skills of chefs.
The Victorian Health Organization and other organizations expressed opposition to this and filed a lawsuit. The Asian Catering Industry Action Organization hereby proposes to express its concern and support for the court and the House of Commons by jointly organizing peaceful demonstrations at the Hague Court and the House of Commons. The demonstration attracted more than 500 Asian catering entrepreneurs, chefs and their families to participate.
The civil court subsequently ruled on May 14, 2025.
The civil court declared that VCHO and the relevant parties would not accept the case. This means that no direct claims are recognized, and the court considers it to lack jurisdiction. This case was submitted to the board of directors, forcing entrepreneurs to file expensive and lengthy lawsuits.
Launch a national petition campaign to seek the understanding and support of Asian chefs and restaurant owners.
The national petition has officially kicked off
May 2025
Submit the petition 'Geen kok, Geen Wok, Geen Smaak, Geen Zaak' to the parliament
April 2, 2025
On June 3, 2025, the cabinet collapsed. Due to this unexpected situation, a cabinet crisis followed.
Therefore, all ongoing business operations have come to a halt. On June 10, 2025, the action team immediately sent a request for consent to the House of Representatives via email, initiating all communication efforts to keep the proposal still feasible, which thus drew lasting attention from the Asian hotel industry. Why is it so important?
In the Netherlands, when a cabinet leaves office (i.e., steps down or resigns), the cabinet can still be in power, but certain issues will be regarded as "controversial" and left unaddressed. The action team strongly emphasized the undisputed demand in its proposal.
To be submitted to Ms. J. Tielen, Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Parliament, Members of BBB, VVD, PVV and GROENLINKS/PVDA. The Asian Hospitality Action Group led by petitioner Sandra Hu, the Asian Hospitality Action Group and hospitality entrepreneurs.
The petition has been submitted to Ms. J. van Tielen, the chairperson of the Social Affairs and Employment Committee of the Dutch Parliament. The number of signatures was at that time, and the current support rate has further risen to 37,256 signatures.
The parliament has confirmed that the petition will be discussed during the debate of the Labour Market Policy and Employment Discrimination Committee on September 24, 2025.
Official letter from the Parliament
July 3, 2025
Apply for a meeting with the caretaker Minister of SZW, Van Heijum
July 9, 2025
The action team then submitted a consultation request to the outgoing Minister of SZW, Van Heijum. Upon receiving the request, a counter-notice was also received, and a response will be given after the summer recess.
The Standing Committee of the Parliament has decided that the information contained in the Action Group's Asian Catering petition can be used when the committee debates labor market policies and labor market discrimination. It will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on September 25, 2025, immediately after the summer recess.
The House of Representatives deliberates on the petition agenda
September 24, 2025
Call to action
Action 1
Please keep an eye on the follow-up developments of our petition, which has now been placed on the agenda of the House of Representatives.
The petition will be discussed by the committee and conclude with a brief plenary debate (a two-minute debate).
Stay engaged - Register through the contact form to be the first to know about the subsequent steps and follow the updates here!
Action 2
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Action 3
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Media reports
Openness and transparency win trust. Please read our interviews and articles. The petition campaign has received attention from many media outlets. You can read the relevant articles and interviews online.
