Netherlands expands asylum seeker reception capacity in Arnhem and Leiden

Municipalities in the Netherlands are extending or opening new facilities to accommodate asylum seekers amid high pressure on the national reception system.

In Arnhem, a new reception location at Heijenoordseweg, situated in a former rehabilitation center, is scheduled to open on December 1. The facility can house up to 302 asylum seekers, including a planned phase-in of up to 50 unaccompanied minor refugees. To address local concerns regarding safety and nuisance, the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA), police, and residents have established agreements for 24-hour supervision and a direct contact line for neighbors.

In Leiden, the emergency shelter in the former Antoniuskerk will remain operational until November 1, 2027. The extension aims to provide capacity to relieve pressure on the Ter Apel registration center. The COA plans to implement improvements to resident privacy and facilities at this location. Like the Arnhem site, the Leiden facility will maintain 24/7 security to ensure the safety of both residents and the surrounding community.