The city of Amsterdam has taken a bold step in support of undocumented migrants and failed asylum seekers, vowing to continue providing basic shelter even if national funding is cut. This decision comes in response to the new Dutch government’s coalition agreement, which includes plans to discontinue funding for the “bed-bath-and-bread” scheme.
Since 2019, Amsterdam has been part of a pilot program known as the “National Alien Facility” (LVV), along with Rotterdam, Groningen, Eindhoven, and Utrecht. This initiative, partially funded by the national government, has offered essential services to vulnerable migrants who have exhausted all legal options to stay in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam’s alderman for shelter, Rutger Groot Wassink, emphasized the positive impact of the LVV pilot on the city. “The reception of undocumented migrants through the LVV pilot has ensured peace in the city,” he stated in a recent press release. Groot Wassink highlighted that the program has effectively reduced squatter-related issues, provided humane treatment to migrants, and given participants time to work on their futures.
The success of the program is evident in the numbers. Since 2019, Amsterdam has provided shelter to 1,062 people through its 500 LVV spaces. Of the 779 individuals who have left the program, 271 (35%) have found sustainable solutions, including returning to their country of origin, migrating elsewhere, or obtaining legal residency in the Netherlands.
Despite these positive outcomes, the Schoof I Cabinet’s plans to cut funding have forced Amsterdam to take matters into its own hands. The municipality has committed to funding the shelter, guidance, and care for undocumented migrants from its own budget in 2025. City officials plan to explore options for continuing the scheme beyond 2025 in the coming autumn.
This decision by Amsterdam aligns with the stance taken by the mayors of the other participating cities. Last week, they jointly appealed to Asylum Minister Marjolein Faber, urging her not to discontinue funding for the LVV program. Their plea underscores the program’s importance in maintaining public order and providing humane treatment to vulnerable individuals.
The final evaluation of the LVV pilot in November 2022 further supports the cities’ position. The report concluded that the scheme significantly contributes to finding solutions for undocumented migrants, improves participants’ well-being, and positively impacts public order.
Groot Wassink described the national government’s plan to terminate the scheme as “extremely unwise,” necessitating Amsterdam’s decision to arrange shelter independently for the coming year. This move reflects the city’s commitment to upholding humanitarian values and addressing the complex challenges posed by irregular migration.
As Amsterdam prepares to handle the financial costs of the shelter program, concerns arise about its long-term sustainability and the possible effects on other city services. This decision also underscores the increasing conflict between local and national strategies for managing migration in the Netherlands.
The situation in Amsterdam reflects the broader debates on migration policies across Europe. It highlights the challenges local governments face in balancing humanitarian concerns with national policy directives, and the important role cities play in meeting the immediate needs of vulnerable populations.