The municipality and the COA are organizing emergency shelter for status holders and family members joining them

The municipality of Voorschoten is working with the COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) to arrange emergency shelter in the short term for 120 status holders and their family members. The status holders will soon be housed at the Van der Valk Hotel De Gouden Leeuw on Veurseweg. The temporary housing has been arranged for six months. In this way, the municipality is helping the national government bridge the acute shortage of shelter spaces nationwide within a short period of time.

Soon, the status holders and their family members, accompanied by the COA, will arrive at the Van der Valk hotel. They will stay at the hotel temporarily until they are assigned housing in another municipality or can be reunited with their families. Alderman Paul de Bruijn (Refugee Policy): “The national government has issued a mandate to municipalities to create 5,625 temporary shelter spots. By providing temporary shelter for 120 status holders and family members joining them, Voorschoten is helping to alleviate the dire situation in Ter Apel to some extent.”

Mayor Nadine Stemerdink: “I understand that this will have an impact on our village, which is why we’ve reached solid agreements with the COA. Soon, we’ll be organizing an informational meeting together with the COA for the immediate neighbors. They’ll receive a letter about this today.”

Severe shortage of childcare spots

There is currently a severe nationwide shortage of housing spaces at asylum seeker centers (AZCs). Many spots in the COA’s asylum seeker centers are currently still being “held” by status holders—asylum seekers with a residence permit—who are waiting for permanent housing. By organizing temporary housing, the municipality of Voorschoten is helping to relieve the pressure on the AZCs and accelerate the integration of status holders into Dutch society.