Starting January 1, Rotterdam will cease providing bed-bath-bread shelter to 33 out of 45 failed asylum seekers, according to a letter from city councilor Faouzi Achbar. The city will continue to care for 12 highly vulnerable individuals, who will be temporarily housed at a Salvation Army care center until June 1.
This decision follows the Dutch government’s halt in funding, which other cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht have decided to cover themselves. A protest against the policy change took place on November 10, highlighting the significance of the support system.
The decision aligns with a coalition agreement among local parties. Achbar noted that the 12 individuals who will remain under care are in poor physical health and require intensive medical attention.
Additionally, he mentioned potential residency permits for some Surinamese former Dutch citizens, though the impact remains uncertain. Meanwhile, 25 affected individuals have filed a lawsuit seeking continued support.
Source: NOS