Netherlands faces resident opposition over new asylum reception centers in Arnhem and Nuenen

In Arnhem, the municipal council was not consulted on designating the former Klimmendaal building in Heijenoord as a temporary asylum‑seeker reception centre for up to 305 people. The council had previously set a policy that gives the mayor and aldermen authority to select locations that fit the existing zoning plan, so no prior council vote was required. Residents were informed only after the decision, and the city says only limited participation – informing residents and answering questions – was necessary. No formal objection route exists because no building permit is needed, and the city has not produced a detailed safety or impact study.

In nearby Nuenen, a court rejected a request by local opponents to suspend the permit for another temporary centre. The judge ruled that the municipality’s expedited permit was lawful, noting that the asylum‑seeker housing need outweighs the residents’ concerns. The court cited an existing safety plan, agreed‑upon meetings with locals, and the municipality’s commitment to act on any disturbances. The request to halt construction was therefore denied, allowing the centre to open as scheduled.