COA wants to extend asylum seeker boat in Westelijk Havengebied again, alderman hesitant

The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) has formally requested that the City of Amsterdam extend the use of the MS Galaxy cruise ship as an emergency shelter. Docked in the Westelijk Havengebied since 2022, the vessel has already undergone four previous extensions and currently houses refugees. While the shelter was originally intended as a temporary solution linked to the upcoming opening of a permanent asylum seeker center in the Houthavens, city officials are considering severing this connection due to the ongoing national housing crisis.

Amsterdam Alderman Zita Pels expressed hesitation regarding the extension, noting concerns over the site's long-term sustainability and quality. Previous humanitarian assessments revealed that the facility falls short of certain standards, including insufficient personal space for residents, restricted cooking capabilities, and a lack of adequate support for child development. Consequently, all minor and school-aged children have already been relocated to alternative facilities. The city plans to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before deciding whether to permit a fifth extension for the site.