Minister Eddy van Hijum of Social Affairs and Employment: “I am glad that we can expand the shelter for migrant workers to more cities. In a civilized country like the Netherlands, it is unacceptable for people to live on the streets or in forests. The shelter locations in the current six cities show that it is possible to offer people a future. Here in the Netherlands or in their country of origin. In addition, we as a cabinet will do everything we can to prevent migrant workers from becoming homeless on the streets.
An EU citizen does not always have the right to a place in a regular homeless shelter. This is related to how long someone has worked in the Netherlands. In 2023, a pilot was started specifically for the so-called non-eligible EU citizens for short-term shelter in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, Eindhoven, and Venlo. At these locations, migrant workers and other EU citizens stay.
The cabinet will discuss with the Association of Dutch Municipalities about the additional cities where a shelter will be established. A good distribution of shelter places across the country will be considered. From January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, 13 million euros per year will be available.
In addition, there is a broad approach to prevent homelessness. For example, unscrupulous employment agencies will be removed from the market through a licensing system. There will also be Work in NL points in all labor market regions where migrant workers can go for information, help, and support. Furthermore, the cabinet is focusing on better rental protection and good housing.