A new service center for asylum seekers is set to be established in Zutphen, Netherlands, in a bid to alleviate the pressure on the overburdened registration center in Ter Apel. The center, which is expected to accommodate 250 asylum seekers, will provide essential services in the first stages of their asylum applications. The project, announced by the municipality of Zutphen and the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) on May 6, 2025, is intended to remain operational for at least 30 years.
Asylum seekers will be transported by bus from Ter Apel to the new service center located on the Revelhorst IV industrial estate, where they will undergo registration procedures including identity verification, nationality checks, and the reasons for their asylum requests. During a press conference held on May 7, 2025, Asylum Alderman Rick Verschure and COA project leader Anja van der Werf emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the center is strictly for first reception, where asylum seekers will stay for a maximum of six weeks.
Verschure noted, "This is not a second asylum center; it is a first reception center where people will receive guidance during the initial phase of their asylum procedure." He further mentioned that the center aims to provide a respectful start for asylum seekers in the Netherlands and to help reduce the pressure on the national asylum process. The center is expected to create around 100 new jobs, contributing to the local economy.
However, the announcement has sparked unrest among local residents, who were informed of the plans only a day before the press conference. Many expressed concerns about the impact of another asylum facility in a municipality that already accommodates 740 asylum seekers at an existing center on Voorsterallee. The municipality has been proactive in addressing these concerns, with the mayor and Verschure going door-to-door to invite local residents to an information session on May 7, where they could learn more about the project and voice their concerns.
Despite the municipality's efforts to communicate transparently, social media has been rife with criticism. Local residents have voiced fears that the new center could lead to further complications, echoing sentiments expressed by the local VVD party, which has announced its opposition to the plans. VVD faction leader Jorn Lok stated, "We fear this could become a second Ter Apel," referring to the existing registration center that has been plagued by overcrowding and operational challenges.
Critics argue that Zutphen is already shouldering a significant burden in terms of asylum seeker accommodation and that other municipalities should step up to share the responsibility. The SP party in Zutphen has publicly opposed the establishment of the new center, claiming that the local government is taking on too much while other regions fail to provide adequate support.
In contrast, Verschure defended the municipality's decision, asserting that it is a responsible move to ensure humane treatment for those fleeing conflict and persecution. "We are aware that this process has been lengthy, and we appreciate the community's patience as we work towards a solution that balances the needs of asylum seekers with the concerns of local residents," he said.
The service center is designed to facilitate the initial processing of asylum applications, which is expected to take an average of three weeks. After this period, asylum seekers will need to transition to regular reception centers across the country. The construction of the center is anticipated to be completed by the second half of 2028, with the municipality emphasizing the need for a timely resolution to the ongoing asylum crisis in the Netherlands.
As the situation unfolds, the local government is committed to maintaining open lines of communication with residents and stakeholders. The municipality has scheduled additional information sessions to keep the public informed and to address any further concerns regarding the service center.
In summary, while the establishment of the new service center in Zutphen aims to alleviate some of the burdens faced by the Ter Apel registration center, it has also ignited a debate about the responsibilities of local governments in accommodating asylum seekers. As the opening date approaches, the municipality will need to navigate the complexities of community sentiment while ensuring the humane treatment of individuals seeking refuge.
