Zuidplas greenlights new asylum seeker reception center with strict conditions
Residents of Zuidplas will soon see a new Regional Reception Location (RRL) for asylum seekers, following approval by the municipal council. The decision includes strict conditions on integration, safety, and community involvement to address local concerns and ensure smooth implementation.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Zuidplas, Zuid-Holland |
| Permit Issuer | Department of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (ODMH) |
| Applicant | Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) |
| Key Conditions | Social integration plan, traffic safety, education, and care plans |
| Contact Point | Single accessible point for residents to report concerns |
| Behavioral Measures | COA to relocate individuals in case of undesirable behavior |
| Next Steps | Development of Social Integration Plan with community input |
| Publication Date | 16 February 2026 |
The municipal council of Zuidplas plays a crucial role in local governance, including spatial planning and community welfare. In this case, it ensures that the reception of asylum seekers aligns with local regulations, safety standards, and community needs while balancing national obligations under the Dispersion Act.
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Council advises positively on BOPA permit for Regional Reception Location
In the council meeting of 11 February 2026, the municipal council decided to issue a positive advice on the environmental permit applied for by the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) for the Regional Reception Location. Based on this, the municipal executive board agreed on 12 February 2026 to grant this environmental permit. The Department of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (ODMH) subsequently issued the environmental permit, with publication and public inspection.
"We are pleased with the council's positive advice and the additional measures that have been taken. As the executive board, we are open to suggestions, questions and concerns about the RRL. After all, the arrival of the RRL is causing quite a stir in our municipality, and we understand that. We remain committed to ensuring that living in our villages is good and safe, but we also choose careful, safe and dignified reception. These things can go hand in hand," said Alderman Schuurman.
A number of motions and amendments have been adopted with a view to further elaboration. For example, it has been ensured that before the location is put into use: 1. a social integration plan will be established by the municipal council, 2. plans regarding care, traffic safety and education will be submitted to the municipal council for binding advice, and 3. a project budget will be drawn up for matters related to the Regional Reception Location.
Four amendments have been adopted that explicitly mention the points of the council proposal and the spatial justification and request:
- To record that the municipality of Zuidplas will implement the Dispersion Act and that the implementation of the Regional Reception Location will take place within the framework of carefulness, support and conditions set by the municipal council, with the council being informed about progress and consequences;
- In line with current legislation and regulations, to record that status holders staying at the Regional Reception Location have a BSN number and that agreements will be made with the COA on this;
- To record that the municipality of Zuidplas and the COA will jointly set up one recognisable and easily accessible point of contact for residents, that signals will be discussed with the COA and that the executive board will inform the municipal council about the nature, follow-up and outcomes of reports;
- To determine that in case of undesirable behaviour, the COA will take appropriate measures in accordance with the current policy, including relocation within the national reception system, and that the municipality will be informed about this.
The motions call on the executive board to seek the council's weighty advice when the COA requests to accommodate other target groups, to actively involve stakeholders in the implementation phase of the established BOPA, to involve the council periodically in evaluations and to confirm that the safety plan corresponds to the requested construction plan in the submitted environmental permit, with further elaboration being ensured by means of a condition in the permit.
Social integration plan
In the coming period, the COA and the municipality will work on the next steps, including embedding the RRL in society. This embedding will be shaped by a Social Integration Plan, which will be drawn up together with all involved partners. Of course, residents are also invited to contribute ideas and ask questions and suggestions. The Social Integration Plan will further elaborate topics such as education, integration, cooperation agreements, work, volunteering, buddy initiatives and safety.
Communication and coordination with all parties play an important role. This will include a clear timeline of the upcoming process, answers to frequently asked questions and a website where all information can be found.