Rotterdam extends COA reception locations

The Municipality of Rotterdam extends reception locations for asylum seekers and status holders to ensure continued capacity.

The Municipality of Rotterdam extends the agreements with the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) and the national government for various reception locations for asylum seekers, unaccompanied minor refugees, and status holders. With this extension, the municipality aims to ensure that reception can continue in the same manner. The pressure on the reception of asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees remains high. The national Distribution Act still applies.

Large-scale reception on the MS Silja extended

The reception on the ship MS Silja in the Merwehaven is extended until January 31, 2027, with the possibility to extend for another year. The ship has space for 2,000 status holders waiting for housing in the Netherlands. Until now, only status holders assigned to a municipality in South Holland were accommodated, but from now on, status holders from other provinces can also temporarily stay here.

The Municipality of Rotterdam, the COA, and the national government continue to pay attention to the well-being of residents on the MS Silja, especially children and families. With additional facilities, residents of the ship can quickly start language lessons and become familiar with society, among others through the “Early Start” program. The pilot “From Reception to Work” helps residents find paid employment. More play opportunities are created for children both inside and outside the ship. The MS Silja remains an emergency reception location.

Reception on river cruise ships

The four river cruise ships currently housing 463 asylum seekers will also remain in use longer. The agreement with the COA is extended until January 31, 2027. These ships are currently docked at the Aelbrechtskade, Parkhavenkade, and Schiehavenkade. The ships may be moved to other quays in the future.

Expansion of reception for unaccompanied minor refugees

The small-scale reception at Walenburgerweg for unaccompanied minor refugees, who came to the Netherlands without a parent or guardian, is extended until February 2030. This allows us to offer minor refugees a stable living place for a longer period. This location currently offers 37 places. This number will be increased to 40 places because there is room for a small expansion in the current building.

Residents near the reception locations are informed about the extensions by letter.

The costs for the extended reception on the ships and at Walenburgerweg are fully reimbursed from national funds.

Reception of Ukrainian refugees under pressure

Rotterdam currently provides reception for 1,835 Ukrainian refugees in municipal reception facilities at 27 locations. In addition, more than 1,500 Ukrainians live at private addresses in the city. Nationally, the number of available reception places for Ukrainians is too small. The municipality is therefore working on new locations to reach 2,000 municipal reception places again.

Housing status holders

In 2025, Rotterdam has the legal task to house 1,040 status holders. By October 1, 765 persons of this target group have been housed. The municipality continues to strive to house status holders as quickly as possible to help relieve pressure on the asylum chain. Due to the tight housing market, not only the available supply from housing corporations is used, but the municipality also realizes (temporary) alternative housing; such as converting vacant office buildings and nursing homes into homes (with financing support from the national government).