Hoorn cuts planned asylum center capacity by half after anti-center protest

The city of Hoorn has approved a temporary shelter for up to 50 asylum seekers at Johannes Poststraat for a maximum of two years, city officials announced Friday.

The decision reduced the original plan from 100 places after opposition from the municipal council and residents. City authorities emphasized that the decision is final.

A demonstration outside Hoorn city hall last Tuesday turned tense as protesters opposed a possible shelter for asylum seekers, status holders, and Ukrainians. Between 100 and 150 demonstrators threw eggs at the building’s windows during a council meeting on the issue, ignited flares, and chanted slogans such as “asylum center, get rid of it."

The municipality announced that they have agreed upon a revised plan in consultation with the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA). The shelter will be housed in a former technical school building. Conditions include strict limits: the two years cannot be extended, security must be provided around the clock, and residents must be independent and self-reliant, with a balanced mix of singles, couples, and families reflecting the broader asylum intake.

Additionally, the city will explore purchasing the property at Koopvaarder 1 to maintain existing housing for Ukrainians. Officials will also research two other potential locations for future housing for “special target groups,” including asylum seekers, status holders, and Ukrainians. A third site will not be pursued due to local opposition and the council’s position.