Asylum seekers
Reception of Asylum Seekers: How Does It Work?
People who are not safe in their own country can apply for protection in the Netherlands. This is called asylum. During the asylum procedure, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) determines whether someone is entitled to protection. Anyone awaiting a decision is entitled to shelter. The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) is responsible for providing that shelter and support.
Providing shelter for asylum seekers is a national responsibility, but municipalities also have a legal role to play. Since 2024, the Distribution Act has required municipalities to contribute to ensuring sufficient shelter capacity. The law is intended to distribute available shelter more equitably among provinces and municipalities. The scale of the challenge for a municipality depends, among other things, on its population and socioeconomic status.
Current Status
For Geldrop-Mierlo, this means that the municipality must contribute to the national responsibility for providing shelter. The municipality has some flexibility in determining how it organizes that shelter, but it does not have the freedom to completely disregard its legal obligation.
The municipality is currently providing shelter for 54 unaccompanied minor foreign nationals (UMFs). In addition, Geldrop-Mierlo still needs to find space for 83 regularshelter spots for asylum seekers. In total, this amounts to a need for 137 shelter spots. This isn’t just about providing a safe place to live. We also help provide essential basic services, such as education and Health.
“The task of providing shelter is urgent, and we also have a legal responsibility in this regard. We cannot and will not ignore that. At the same time, we want to act carefully, be mindful of the surrounding community, and make room for concerns and other opinions.”
Who does what?
Various organizations and government agencies are involved in asylum reception, each with its own responsibilities. The IND assesses asylum applications and determines whether an individual is granted protection. The COA provides shelter, support, and assistance with leaving the reception center. The Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V) assists individuals who are not entitled to remain in the country with their return.
The municipality plays a different role. It does not decide whether someone is granted asylum, nor does it determine how many people enter the Netherlands. However, under the Distribution Act, the municipality has a legal obligation to facilitate the provision of shelter facilities. For example, the municipality can make a location available, reach agreements regarding the shelter, and involve the local community in the establishment of a shelter facility.
From Asylum Application to Reception and Residence
An asylum seeker goes through a process to determine whether they need protection. During that process, the COA arranges for their accommodation. There are various types of accommodation facilities, including regular asylum seeker centers (AZCs), as well as temporary emergency shelters when there is insufficient regular capacity. More information about the different accommodation facilities for asylum seekers can be found on the COA website at.
Humane shelter, with consideration for the surrounding area
Asylum reception is not just about providing enough spaces. It is also about people who have often gone through a traumatic period and are still waiting for clarity about their future. That is why it is important that reception facilities are organized in a way that is safe and respectful of human dignity.
The municipality is working on this together with other organizations, volunteers, and residents. At the same time, we understand that the establishment of a shelter may raise questions, concerns, or resistance. What does a shelter mean for a neighborhood? What about safety, traffic, amenities, and quality of life? These questions are also part of the conversation about shelter.
Together with the community
When searching for a new shelter location, we believe it’s important to actively involve our residents. Once a potential location is identified, we inform nearby residents and other stakeholders. This can be done at a meeting or online. Once a location is finalized, there will be an opportunity to share input, raise concerns and issues, and propose ideas for solutions.
Immediate neighbors can participate in a focus group. The municipality can also conduct a consultative survey in which residents can share their concerns, ideas, and points of interest regarding the location.
How to move forward?
The municipality has recently been exploring how it can meet the remaining shelter requirement of 83 people. Finding a suitable location and organizing appropriate shelter requires time and careful planning. At the same time, there is a great need for shelter nationwide, and the national government is pressing for the legal requirement to be met.
On May 26, 2026, the Ministry of Asylum and Migration informed the municipality that, according to data validated by the COA, the 83 regular shelter spaces have not yet been established. The municipality had previously informed the ministry about the current situation, the efforts being made, and the challenges. The ministry wishes to continue discussions with the municipality on this matter. Depending on the outcome of those discussions, oversight of compliance with the Distribution Act may be scaled up.
Working Together to Address the Childcare Challenge
Geldrop-Mierlo is not facing this challenge alone. The municipality is part of the M50, a network of more than 70 medium-sized municipalities. Within this network, municipalities exchange knowledge and experiences and, where possible, present a united front to the national government. The municipalities also discuss developments and coordinate their positions regarding the reception of refugees. In this way, medium-sized municipalities collectively make their voices heard in the national debate.
Would you like to stay informed about the latest developments regarding the reception of refugees in the municipality of Geldrop-Mierlo? Then sign up for the newsletter.