Abstract The Netherlands is the European country that has undergone the highest increase in temporary jobs in the last decade. These occupations are characterized by a low level of job security and, in the case of older workers, may lead to social exclusion and higher welfare dependence. Using the LISS panel data (2008–2019) for the resident population of the Netherlands, this paper establishes an innovative link between migration background and temporary employment. First, it is investigated whether first-generation migrants (western and non-western) are more likely to be temporarily employed than Dutch-born natives. Besides, it is explored whether higher education, language problems, and active social contacts influence this relationship. The findings show that non-western migrants are more likely to be temporarily employed than both western migrants and Dutch-born natives. Language problems are the main moderator increasing migrants’ probability of being temporarily employed, while higher education and active social contacts appear not to be significant.