Dordrecht businesses invited to explore job opportunities with new asylum centre
Local businesses in Dordrecht can tap into new talent as a reception centre for 580 asylum seekers opens in April. A pilot program aims to speed up integration through work, volunteering, and language lessons, addressing staff shortages in the region.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dordtse Kil IV / Distripark, Dordrecht |
| Opening Date | Mid-April 2026 |
| Capacity | Up to 580 asylum seekers |
| Duration | Expected to remain for 10 years |
| Meeting Date | 26 March 2026 |
| Organizers | Municipality of Dordrecht, COA |
| Focus Areas | Work permits, talent utilization, employment relationships |
| Support Services | Volunteering, language lessons, daytime activities |
The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) oversees the integration of asylum seekers into Dutch society, including employment and participation initiatives. The municipality of Dordrecht collaborates with COA to facilitate local integration through pilot programs and support services.
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Read the full translated article below
Collaborating on employment: opportunities around the new reception centre
On Thursday, 26 March 2026, the municipality of Dordrecht and the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) will host a meeting for businesses. This meeting will focus on the new reception centre for asylum seekers (AZC) in Dordtse Kil IV / Distripark. The AZC will open in mid-April, and the first residents will arrive then. This could present new opportunities for local businesses.
The COA is responsible for participation and employment at an AZC. In Dordrecht, we want to tackle this together. That’s why we are launching a pilot in which the COA, the municipality, social organisations and employers will work together. The aim is to help asylum seekers and status holders integrate more quickly.
To this end, we will set up a Dordrecht desk. Here, asylum seekers can receive assistance in finding daytime activities, such as volunteering, language lessons, activities or work. In this pilot, we will work closely together.
Many asylum seekers have talent, motivation and work experience. Businesses can benefit from this, especially now that staff shortages are an issue. During the meeting, we will look at the following with businesses:
- how we can utilise the talents of asylum seekers
- how the rules work, for example regarding work permits
- what else is needed for a good and successful employment relationship
The new AZC will eventually accommodate up to 580 people who have fled their countries due to war, violence or persecution. We expect the AZC to remain in use for the next ten years.