This year, Utrecht has to accommodate 650 status holders, with the temporary priority arrangement for status holders, the municipality is back on schedule. The minister does not share the criticism of the VVD and thinks Utrecht’s approach is just. “At the moment many status holders are still in asylum reception because they cannot move on to regular homes.” According to the minister, this is one of the reasons why people have to sleep outside in Ter Apel. At the same time, this inhibits status holders from starting their integration in the Netherlands, says De Jonge. According to the minister, the fact that Utrecht, a municipality that lagged behind in its obligation to accommodate status holders, chose to make up the shortfall more quickly, is in line with the appeal that the cabinet is making on them.
Minister De Jonge supports Utrecht’s approach to give status holders priority over homes
