Questions and answers reception of status holders in NH Hotel
Why are status holders being accommodated in Zoetermeer?
Status holders are refugees who are allowed to stay in the Netherlands. These refugees are linked to a municipality. The central government determines every six months how many status holders each municipality must give a place to live. This is called a task order. The people staying at the hotel are linked to the municipality of Zoetermeer and are waiting for a house in our municipality.
When will the status holders arrive at the NH Hotel?
They arrived at the hotel on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023.
How long will the status holders stay at the NH Hotel?
Accommodation at the hotel is temporary. In principle, the municipality has 6 months to offer permanent housing to status holders. Agreements will be made with the housing associations about this.
Where do the status holders go after those 6 months?
The goal is to find permanent housing within 6 months. It has not yet been decided where status holders will go if a permanent place to live is not found for them after 6 months. In any case, they will not go back to an asylum seekers' center or to the emergency shelter in the former prison.
What is the composition of the group of status holders?
The group of status holders consists mainly of families and single men.
What is the difference between an asylum seeker and a status holder?
An asylum seeker is someone who has applied for asylum. He or she asks for protection as a refugee and waits for the government's decision. If an asylum seeker receives a residence permit (a permit to stay in the Netherlands), he or she becomes a status holder.
Why was a hotel chosen as a shelter?
This is due to the hotel and accommodation scheme (HAR). This scheme ensures that status holders waiting for a permanent place to live can already live in their future municipality. For example, in a hotel or recreational home. In this way, they can also start their integration process earlier. It also relieves the pressure on the asylum seekers' center and thus the pressure on Ter Apel.
Who pays for the cost of the hotel?
The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) pays the cost of the reception for a period of 6 months. If the reception at the hotel lasts longer than 6 months, the cost of accommodating the status holders will be for the municipality of Zoetermeer.
What do the status holders do at the hotel during the day?
Status holders are required to integrate. This integration process is arranged through the municipality. Status holders have the opportunity to work.
I would like to help, can I?
Learn more about volunteering at www.coa.nl | Volunteer.
How will local residents be informed?
A letter was sent on December 13 to those living near the NH Hotel. This contained more information about the shelter.
I have questions and/or concerns. Where can I share this?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us by emailing projecten.pmv@zoetermeer.nl.