Minister Faber of Asylum and Migration must continue providing shelter to 22 rejected asylum seekers in Rotterdam beyond January 1, 2024, as ordered by the court. The court ruled that the interests of the asylum seekers take precedence over those of the minister.
The decision was influenced by the possibility that these individuals, many of whom are highly vulnerable, could end up on the streets with no alternative accommodations available. These asylum seekers are currently housed in the National Asylum Facilities (LVV) in Rotterdam under the “bed-bath-bread” arrangement, which provides shelter and basic needs to prevent homelessness and public disturbances.
Minister Faber had announced the cessation of government funding for the scheme next year, aiming to focus on “repatriation rather than subsidized shelter.” While Groningen and Amsterdam plan to continue funding the scheme independently, Rotterdam intends to end it, affecting 45 residents, 22 of whom filed objections. A similar urgent procedure is underway in Utrecht, where the court has yet to rule.
Source: NOS