The cabinet has taken a step forward following emergency talks with municipalities after recent unrest at asylum seeker reception centres, Sharon Dijksma said on Monday.
Dijksma, chair of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and mayor of Utrecht, said she was “very pleased” with the outcome of the consultations. The talks were requested urgently after protests against the arrival of asylum seekers escalated in several locations, including Loosdrecht.
According to Dijksma, it is “very important” that the cabinet sets a clear standard. “There is a limit to what we accept, and it is important to say that together,” she said.
The discussions focused both on defining these standards and on improving how asylum seekers are accommodated. There will be a stronger emphasis on tailored solutions for individual municipalities.
In addition, a mobile team will be set up to support municipalities. The team will help address housing challenges and related issues linked to the reception of asylum seekers.
@anp | NEWS BARINPORT
