Day-to-Day Operations

The people staying at the shelter have the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else in the Netherlands when it comes to freedom of movement. This means they are free to move about within the municipality. The COA has house rules, which are provided to residents in their own language. They also receive an explanation of their rights, responsibilities, and social norms in the Netherlands. Residents are responsible for maintaining their own living environment. School-age children attend school.

In addition, adults have meetings with organizations such as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) and the Dutch Council for Refugees (VluchtelingenWerk). They prepare for their future through programs and/or volunteer work, which can take place both on and off the premises. The COA works with local organizations and stakeholders to find meaningful ways for them to spend their time and days. Asylum seekers are also allowed to take on paid work if their asylum application has been pending for more than six months. Those who work must pay a personal contribution toward the costs of their housing.

In principle, all asylum seekers receive a living allowance to buy groceries and cook for themselves. At the Zevenbergen Asylum Seekers' Center, residents cook for themselves and do their own laundry.

For these children—just as for Dutch children—school attendance is mandatory from age 5 until their 16th birthday, or until age 18 if they have not yet obtained a basic qualification by age 16. The COA ensures that children in this age group start school as soon as possible. Elementary school children attend De Toren in Zevenbergen. Older children attend the Internationale Schakelklas in Roosendaal.