A cruise ship on which asylum seekers and status holders will be received arrived in Velsen-Noord around 08:00 on Wednesday morning, a spokesperson for the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) reported. It is now being prepared as an emergency shelter.
From October, the ship must provide shelter for about a thousand asylum seekers and status holders for six months. The municipality of Velsen has also said that a maximum of 1200 people can stay on the ship for a period of 30 days. No asylum seekers from safe countries are received on the ship.
The ship is moored at the quay at the Noordwijkermeer business park. “Because the ship is remote, transport to and from the ship is arranged. The COA organizes that volunteer projects, work trajectories and programs are offered, including aimed at participation.” Meals are also provided on board and there is a day program. Children go to school and there is a play area on board, according to the COA.
Safety plan
Safety plans have also been drawn up. Security guards are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
A protest was organized at the end of June against the arrival of the emergency shelter. Dozens of residents took to the streets because they think that the shelter of a thousand people is too much for their village.