Dutch asylum minister launches “flying team” to aid municipalities

Asylum minister Bart van den Brink announced that a newly created “flying team” of officials is now active to support Dutch municipalities with asylum‑reception issues. The team, coordinated with the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA), two ministries and the Dutch Association of Mayors, offers low‑threshold assistance mainly via phone and digital channels, with on‑site visits when needed. Six municipalities have already sought help, and the service aims to prevent escalation by providing quick, expert advice on matters such as demonstration rights and media pressure.

At the same time, the minister began actively confronting municipalities that do not meet the obligations of the 2024 spread law, which distributes asylum‑seeker accommodation across the country. Zoetermeer is highlighted as a municipality that exceeds its quota, housing 712 asylum seekers against the required 649 places (about 110 % of its target). The spread law seeks a fairer geographical distribution of asylum seekers, relieving pressure on overburdened locations. Van den Brink’s dual approach of offering support and enforcing compliance aims to balance responsibilities and improve the overall asylum‑reception system in the Netherlands.