COA

What’s Happening at AZCs Today? The Latest News You Need to Know

Emanuel REF FM NL Emanuel REF FM NL

The Dutch Senate has approved a new long-term funding system for the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA), marking a significant step towards a more stable and predictable asylum reception system.

The new financing model replaces the previous ad hoc approach, which often forced reception centres to open and close in response to changing budgets. According to COA Chairman Joeri Kapteijns, the reform will improve long-term planning, reduce frequent relocations of asylum seekers, and provide greater certainty for municipalities and reception staff. Combined with the Distribution Act, the new system is expected to strengthen cooperation between the national government and municipalities in sharing responsibility for asylum reception.

At the same time, Asylum and Migration Minister Bart van den Brink visited Ter Apel, where pressure on the national registration centre remains high. The minister stressed the need for municipalities to accelerate the opening of new reception facilities and warned that the government may intervene if municipalities fail to meet their obligations under the Distribution Act. He also acknowledged that expanding reception capacity alone will not immediately resolve the ongoing pressure while asylum arrivals remain high.

Across the Netherlands, several reception projects continue to make progress:

  • Medemblik: Construction of a new COA reception centre is expected to be completed by early September.
  • Nuenen: A new reception centre is scheduled to open in September despite continued local opposition.
  • Barendrecht: COA has completed the main feasibility studies for a planned reception centre.
  • Uitgeest–Heemskerk: Local authorities have signed a cooperation agreement with COA, moving plans for a joint reception centre forward.
  • Sittard-Geleen: The municipal council approved temporary accommodation for 120 recognised refugees.
  • Bronckhorst: Discussions continue on the development of smaller-scale reception facilities.
  • The Hague: More than 700 recognised refugees have been successfully housed over the past six months, transforming a previous housing shortage into a positive balance.

Political debate around asylum policy remains active. Westland continues to oppose the implementation of the Distribution Act, while opinions remain divided in municipalities such as Sluis. Meanwhile, local communities are also demonstrating support: churches in Dronten have called for emergency reception facilities to remain open, and hundreds of volunteers in Bemmel are preparing to welcome asylum seekers ahead of the opening of a new reception centre later this year.

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