More and more labor migrants: good for the economy, but where can they find shelter?

The economy is growing and the demand for labor is increasing. This is also the case in West Friesland, where companies are increasingly using labor migrants to meet that demand.

These labor migrants often stay for a short or longer period of time: preferably at a not too great distance from their work locations. Most of them are particularly active in the municipalities of Medemblik and Koggenland. They just need a suitable living space. And let that be a complex puzzle, on both an economic and social level.

‘Center Parcs’

A ‘Center Parcs’ for labor migrants: according to Ramon Stoffer, of the West Frisian Business Group (WBG), it is the only correct solution. Including facilities such as a fish pond, supermarket, gymnasium, language lessons and a park. It should provide space for about 1,000 to 2,000 people.

No more bunk beds in too small spaces. But privacy for couples or one person, where they have their own bedroom and fridge. Two important wishes, he knows better than anyone.

Stoffer has been sticking his neck out for this target group for seven years now. He himself lives next to a ‘Polenhotel’ in Nibbixwoud and knows their situation like the back of his hand. “We often come across distressing cases. Migrant workers are sometimes crammed with seven people in a space that is too small, without a decent shower or with a rent that is much too high,” says Stoffer. “And we have to get rid of that, also to prevent abuse.”

As an example he mentions the fire in Schellinkhout, where someone dies. It soon becomes clear that some business units are occupied illegally on the business park. According to Stoffer, a harrowing low point. “Instead, let’s offer a good and quality alternative: a shelter where they can live with dignity.”

Several birds with one stone

With the plan that Stoffer has in mind, municipalities could kill several birds with one stone. And it costs nothing, he emphasizes. “The construction costs and operation are the responsibility of the commercial companies. All the municipality has to do is send someone to the reception once a week to keep the records. WWho came in and who left? Or a boa, if necessary. Good for a bit of security.”

Single-family homes are also becoming available to the local population again, nuisance is suppressed and traffic movements are decreasing. “We can also open the park to local residents and recreationists. And migrant workers can be registered with the municipality.”

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Last December, research agency Sweco released out a report, in which 19 ‘preferred search areas’ are designated as suitable locations. Migrant workers can be temporarily housed here, and each location offers enough space for 300 people.

Still, Stoffer has a caveat. He says it is a missed opportunity. “If things go well and it creates confidence, it is still nice to be in a location that can be expanded. Also, a supermarket or shop for 300 people is not attractive and profitable enough. It is not an interesting business case.”

To paint a picture of why multiple locations are not convenient, he points to the municipality of Zeewolde. Previously, migrant workers were spread over a large area there. The result: boas have to go out every weekend to put out fires.

Stoffer: “But now they are housed in recreation park De Bosruiter and the nuisance has disappeared. Normally we always think: if we want larger scale, we will get more chaos. But in practice it’s just the opposite.”