National asylum seeker centers across the Netherlands drew 23,000 visitors during their annual open day, according to figures released by the Centraal Orgaan opvang Asielzoekers (COA). The attendance marks a substantial rise from the previous year, when 16,000 people visited the facilities during the open house event held on Burendag.
Attendance Across 160 National Locations
The COA opened the doors of 160 opvanglocaties nationwide, inviting the public to take part in guided tours, converse directly with residents, and sample dishes from the home countries of the people staying there. The agency characterized the turnout of 23,000 visitors as a “torenhoog” (towering) figure. Pieter Deinum, locatiemanager of the azc in Luttelgeest, told Omroep Flevoland that opening the doors is vital for showing the public how daily life functions inside an asylum center.
Established in 1987, the Luttelgeest facility is the oldest operational opvanglocatie managed by the COA. “I saw that there was an open day and thought: it’s nice to take a look at how things are going here,” one visitor explained. “And also a bit to give those people the feeling that there is friendly interest from the neighborhood.”
Did You Know?
The oldest opvanglocatie managed by the COA is located in Luttelgeest and has been operating since 1987.
Infrastructure and Community Integration in Veenendaal and Nuenen
At facilities like the location in Veenendaal, which has housed refugees for four years, visitors gained insight into the practical logistics of running a large center. RTV Utrecht reports that while the site currently operates as a temporary emergency shelter, a forthcoming renovation will transform it into a regular reception facility for the next twenty years. A guide leading visitors through the premises noted logistical challenges, remarking, “There are nine washing machines for 236 residents, so that requires quite a bit of coordination.” A nearby resident living adjacent to the site shared their curiosity: “We see residents walking inside with bags here every day and we are simply curious about what is behind those doors.”
Meanwhile, the newly established azc in Nuenen welcomed more than 900 visitors, making it one of the most heavily attended sites. The facility received its first residents only weeks prior to the event, following intense local resistance that saw opponents take legal action to block its opening—though the court ruled against them. In June, heavy fireworks were discovered inside the building in a suspected protest against the center’s establishment.
Expert Insight
An anonymous resident originally from Pakistan told Omroep Brabant that he understands the local resistance, noting, “People love their country. I hope to be able to contribute something here. I have multiple talents, I can astonish you.” He also expressed gratitude toward supportive townspeople, adding, “We are having a baby soon and a stroller was donated at the reception.” A Nuenen resident emphasized the need for community adaptation, stating, “We must accept that we are going to see these people in the village. We as a society must deal with that well, with the good and negative sides. I think we must be able to do that.”
Frequently Asked Questions
A total of 23,000 people visited the 160 participating COA locations across the country, compared to 16,000 visitors the previous year.
Visitors could take part in guided tours, speak directly with azc residents, and taste dishes originating from the home countries of the people living in the centers.
The location in Veenendaal will undergo a major renovation to convert it from a temporary emergency shelter into a regular reception facility designed to operate for the next twenty years.