The Van der Valk Hotel Volendam in Katwoude will probably become a temporary reception location for refugees. The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) and the hotel are discussing accommodation for refugees. This is stated in a letter to residents and entrepreneurs who live in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
The letter also states that the pressure of the reception of refugees is still unprecedentedly high. “Closing temporary reception locations, an increased influx of refugees and delayed outflow of status holders pose major challenges for the COA,” writes Mayor Marian van der Weele of the municipality of Waterland in the letter.
The crisis emergency shelter on business park Baanstee-Noord in Purmerend will close on 1 July. Refugees have been taken care of there since October and that did not go without a struggle. Last month, a number of refugees entered hunger strike.
No deal yet
Mayor Van der Weele emphasizes to her residents and entrepreneurs that there is not yet an agreement between COA and the hotel. “It is therefore not yet clear how many refugees are involved and what term is envisaged. If an agreement is reached, possible reception will follow from October.”