Barendrecht advances plans for 350-person asylum seeker center

The municipality of Barendrecht is moving toward establishing an asylum seeker reception center (AZC) in the Zuidelijk Randpark, intended to accommodate 350 people for at least ten years. Alderman Esther Punte aims to sign a management agreement with the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) as early as December, though she noted this timeline is not fixed.

The political party Echt voor Barendrecht (EVB) has expressed opposition to the center, though they acknowledge the municipality is compelled to act under the national Distribution Act (Spreidingswet). EVB is calling for regional solidarity, arguing that neighboring municipalities such as Ridderkerk and Albrandswaard should also share the responsibility for asylum seeker reception rather than leaving Barendrecht to handle the burden alone.

During a recent committee meeting, several speakers expressed opposition to the plan. One proposal suggested relocating the center to an industrial area in Rotterdam, but this faces challenges due to existing business zoning and potential complications regarding Barendrecht’s mandatory reception quotas.