Millions extra to get homeless migrant workers out of parks and forests: 'Unacceptable in a civilized country'

A migrant worker who loses his or her job quickly has no chance in our country. They often cannot go to regular homeless shelters, because you need to have a connection with the region - for example, by having work or family there.

Many of them end up on the streets, in parks or forests. "Unacceptable in a civilized country like the Netherlands," says Eddy van Hijum, Minister of Social Affairs and Employment.

Since 2023, a trial has been running with the reception of homeless migrant workers from the EU in six major cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven and Venlo. Together they receive 7 million euros per year to accommodate homeless migrant workers.

Last year, the trial was evaluated in the six cities and that produced a positive picture: almost two-thirds of the migrants received left the shelter through the front door. This means that they have found work again, returned to their father or mother country or are otherwise settled.

"The shelters in the current six cities show that it is possible to offer people a future again," says Van Hijum. "I am happy that we can expand the homeless shelter for migrant workers to more cities."

A spokesperson for the ministry could not say which cities are involved. There are several municipalities that would like to participate, which ones will be determined in consultation with the Association of Dutch Municipalities. The most important criterion is that there will be a good national distribution of this type of homeless shelter.

In their search for a place to sleep, homeless people also end up in allotments. Watch their story below: