COA asylum centers host national open house day

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the national Open azc day will take place across approximately 160 asylum seeker reception centers and emergency locations managed by the COA in the Netherlands. The event aims to foster community connection and understanding by allowing the public to visit these facilities and meet residents, staff, and volunteers.

Activities at various locations include guided tours, information markets, workshops, and food tastings. In Zwolle, locations at Meeuwenlaan and Dokter van Deenweg will host visitors, with unaccompanied minors at the latter preparing dishes from their home countries. In Friesland, participating sites include Beetsterzwaag, Burgum, Drachten, and Sneek.

At the Meeuwenlaan center, which currently houses 300 people, the open day provides insight into daily life before residents eventually transition to the De Tippe location. The event coincides with National Neighbors' Day, emphasizing local integration. Information stands will also be available from partners such as the IND, DTenV, and VluchtelingenWerk Nederland.