Economy

The municipality of Almelo is facing a mandatory six-month reception of twenty “nareizigers” (family reunification migrants) in a local hotel, a decision imposed by outgoing Minister of Asylum Affairs Mona Keijzer, according to reports from Hart van Nederland and Tubantia.nl. The move, intended to alleviate pressure on national asylum reception centers, has sparked criticism from local politicians who argue the city is already exceeding its capacity for accommodating asylum seekers and that the decision was made without consultation.

Wethouder (council member) Eugène van Mierlo expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Keijzer’s office, stating to Tubantia.nl that the municipality was “overwhelmed” by the directive. “This is a hotel, for short-term stays. Now, people are being placed there long-term. Without consultation. That is really unacceptable,” he said. The municipality similarly voiced concerns about the subsequent responsibility for housing these individuals after the initial six-month period, particularly given the existing strain on the local housing market.

The situation in Almelo is unfolding as the incoming cabinet led by Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius (Jetten) prepares to inherit what Keijzer herself described as a “gridlocked” asylum system, as reported by Headliner.nl. Keijzer warned that the Netherlands is struggling to cope with the current influx of asylum seekers and the increasing number of nareizigers, leading to prolonged procedures, overcrowded reception centers, and mounting pressure on municipalities.

This is not the first instance of conflict between Almelo and Keijzer’s ministry. Previously, the municipality had agreed to temporarily accommodate additional asylum seekers, only to have those “extra places” designated as permanent, a decision that was later reversed, according to Headliner.nl. This history has contributed to the current sense of distrust and frustration within the local government.

The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) is responsible for the initial hotel accommodation, but the long-term housing of the nareizigers will fall to the municipality of Almelo. A letter to the municipal council detailed the anticipated challenges, noting the require to prioritize housing for these individuals while the broader housing market faces exceptional pressure. This, officials say, will inevitably impact other residents seeking housing.

As of February 20, 2026, Minister Keijzer is preparing to hand over her responsibilities to the incoming cabinet, leaving the unresolved issues surrounding asylum reception and the integration of nareizigers as a key challenge for the modern administration. The municipality of Almelo has requested a meeting with Keijzer’s office to discuss the situation further, but a response has not yet been received.