The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, prostitution traditionally has been regulated by the state and local authorities for reasons of public order, morality, and public health. The demographic profile of sex workers in the Netherlands had started to change with the increase of female migrants in the eighties, some of which were trafficked. In order to prosecute traffickers and protect victims more effectively regulation of the sex industry was considered necessary. The number of sex workers in the Netherlands that is most often quoted nationally and internationally is 25,000. This number dates from 1999, and represents an extrapolation from estimates of Municipal Public Health Agencies. These estimates, however, are questionable methodologically. Contrary to the opinions of brothel owners, the Tax Office noted that, based on the actual "facts and circumstances", owners of clubs and parlors in the Netherlands did exercise authority simply by setting working hours, but also by having all sorts of house rules.