Asylum seekers have arrived in Voorschoten

On Tuesday, July 26, 120 asylum seekers and their family members moved into the Van der Valk Hotel De Gouden Leeuw. This emergency shelter was arranged by the municipality of Voorschoten in collaboration with the COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers). The temporary shelter will be available for a period of 6 months.

The status holders—that is, asylum seekers with a residence permit—and their family members who have joined them were escorted to the Van der Valk hotel by the COA. They are staying at the hotel temporarily until they are assigned housing in another municipality or can be reunited with their families. 

Volunteer

To ensure that this temporary shelter runs as smoothly as possible for everyone, the COA could really use some volunteer help. Residents can sign up through Vrijwilligvoorschoten at or through VluchtelingenWerk’s volunteer recruitment page at . It’s important to mention that you’d like to volunteer in Voorschoten.

Residents can also sign up to be a language buddy through the Taalhuis at the library. To do so, call (071) 561 56 78, send an email to taal@obvw.nl, or fill out the online registration form on the Taalhuis (obvw.nl) website at .

Severe shortage of childcare spots

There is currently a severe nationwide shortage of housing units at asylum seeker centers (AZCs). Many spots in the COA’s asylum seeker centers are still being “held” by status holders 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.

More information

For more information about the temporary emergency shelter, residents can visit the municipal website. It contains the most frequently asked questions and answers. Any other questions can be directed to the municipality’s Customer Contact Center (KCC) via email at gemeente@voorschoten.nl or by phone at 14071.

You can report any issues or complaints directly related to the reception center to the COA site manager. You can do so by calling(06) 52475188.