Dutch Housing & Asylum Policy: Keijzer Revives Rejected Bill | NRC, NU, Trouw & More
The Dutch parliament is embroiled in a dispute over asylum policy following recent municipal elections that saw gains for anti-immigration parties. The conflict centers on proposed changes to housing regulations for asylum status holders, and the continued operation of an asylum seekers’ center in Hardenberg.
Woonminister Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan has announced plans to draft new legislation addressing the priority given to status holders in social housing, reversing a previous attempt by her predecessor, former housing minister Keijzer, to impose an outright ban. The initial proposal from Keijzer faced significant criticism, including from the Council of State, regarding its feasibility.
SGP parliament member André Flach questioned Boekholt-O’Sullivan on why the proposal for a ban was withdrawn just two days after the municipal elections, arguing that prioritizing status holders in social housing is a major source of frustration for Dutch citizens. Boekholt-O’Sullivan intends the new legislation to ensure status holders have the same position as other housing seekers, eliminating automatic priority.
The debate extends to the asylum seekers’ center (azc) in Hardenberg. The municipality is currently obligated to house sixty status holders in the coming six months, adding to the ninety-two already accommodated in the latter half of this year, according to figures from the Ministry of the Interior. The situation in Hardenberg reflects broader challenges in accommodating asylum seekers across the Netherlands, exacerbated by issues at the Ter Apel reception center and potential changes to regulations for status holders.
Beyond the legislative efforts, Boekholt-O’Sullivan aims to establish a covenant with municipalities and other stakeholders to accelerate the creation of “flexible housing locations for status holders,” with the goal of alleviating pressure on overcrowded asylum centers. This includes exploring options like modular housing, shared living arrangements, and scaling up successful existing initiatives. The new law will only come into effect once sufficient alternative housing options are available.
Remarkably, despite the withdrawal of her proposal, former housing minister Keijzer, now a member of parliament, has reintroduced her original bill, effectively challenging the current administration’s approach.