Dutch municipalities implement temporary housing for asylum seekers

Municipalities in the Netherlands are implementing temporary housing solutions to manage asylum seeker and refugee populations. In Nijmegen, a temporary ‘asylum village’ is being constructed on a vacant lot in Vossenpels to relieve pressure on the Ter Apel facility. The site will host approximately 430 asylum seekers in 98 residential units equipped with kitchens. The location is expected to remain in use until April 2029, after which the area is slated for a residential development of over 600 homes.

In Oldenzaal, the former De Kroon hotel is reopening in October to accommodate up to 70 status holders (refugees with residence permits) through 2027. This initiative, supported by new national funding, aims to address a housing backlog for status holders and facilitate their integration into the community through education and civic activities while they await permanent social housing. The municipality intends to manage this flow to ensure that status holders do not disproportionately occupy the social housing market, maintaining a target of 5 percent of available annual social housing for this group.