Barendrecht picks site for asylum center; Rotterdam officials "outraged"

Local officials in Barendrecht have selected a site in the Zuidelijk Randpark to build a new reception center that could house up to 350 asylum seekers and permit holders. The move has sparked strong criticism from Leefbaar Rotterdam, the largest party in the governing coalition of neighboring Rotterdam.

The facility will not open before the July 1 deadline set by the national dispersal law. In a statement, the municipality said, “the actual realization is still a lengthy process.” Authorities expect to have more clarity at the beginning of next year about when the center can begin operations.

The designated land belongs to the province of Zuid-Holland, which is making it available to Barendrecht. The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) must now prepare a detailed plan for the site. The municipality said the location will include facilities for health care, education, and welfare services for residents. On Tuesday, the Barendrecht municipal council will decide whether to keep the current shelter for 60 people on Zuider Carnisseweg open until the new center is ready.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Leefbaar Rotterdam, the largest coalition party in neighboring Rotterdam. The party has requested a debate in the Rotterdam city council, arguing that the chosen location, situated near the northern municipal boundary, will function as a de facto asylum center for Rotterdam.

Leefbaar Rotterdam maintains that prior agreements existed between Rotterdam, Barendrecht, and the province of Zuid-Holland stating no asylum center could be established without Rotterdam’s approval.

“That such clear agreements are being violated is outrageous,” said Leefbaar Rotterdam faction leader Simon Ceulemans. “Rotterdam must not tolerate this. We want the municipality to oppose this vigorously and do everything possible to prevent this asylum center from being built.”