Accommodation for asylum seekers in Aalten: process and previous steps

In short

• The Netherlands has a shortage of housing for asylum seekers
• Municipalities have a legal obligation in this regard
• For Aalten, this means that childcare facilities need to be established
• The city council has decided to establish guidelines on its own first

Step 1: Proposal from the municipal executive (Spring 2025)

In the spring of 2025, the Municipal Executive proposed establishing a shelter for asylum seekers in Aalten, at the Singel site.
This was to be a temporary facility with space for up to 300 residents.
The proposal sparked a strong public response.

Step 2: Concerns and questions from the public

Residents asked questions and expressed concerns, including about:

• safety in and around a shelter
• the number of childcare spots
• the chosen location
• pressure on Health services
• housing opportunities for first-time homebuyers

The city council has taken these signals into account as the process continues.

Step 3: Council decision – guidelines first

On May 27, 2025, the city council decided that the executive board would temporarily halt further development of the plans.
The council first wanted to establish clear agreements and Requirements frameworks) itself, for example regarding:

• the number of childcare spots
• requirements for a location
• Requirements safety and quality of life

Only then would the council resume work on concrete plans.

Step 4: Council meetings and discussions (fall 2025)

In the fall of 2025, the city council organized several meetings to gather information and engage in discussion.

• The council discussed the national challenge and possible forms of reception with the municipal executive and the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA)
• During deliberative meetings, council factions discussed the various interests and provided guidance on the frameworks
• These meetings, held on October 15, 22, and 28, provided an important foundation for the next steps

Step 5: Council initiative proposal

Several council factions took the initiative to draft their own proposal for the guidelines.
This proposal served as the basis for further decision-making. It was explicitly a proposal from the council itself, and not from the municipal executive.

Step 6: Residents contribute their ideas

Before the city council made a final decision, residents had the opportunity to share their views by speaking at a meeting or by submitting written comments on the initiative proposal.
The council took these comments into account in its further deliberations.

Step 7: Establishing the parameters

Following public consultation and further discussion, the city council adopted the guidelines for the accommodation of asylum seekers on February 25, 2026.
These guidelines form the basis for the next steps: identifying suitable locations and further developing plans.

So what happens next?

Based on the established guidelines, the municipal executive is working on specific proposals for shelter locations.

Once more details are available, residents will be updated and consulted again.