Frequently Asked Questions: Request for Housing for Migrant Workers in Zevenbergen
Why is this housing needed?
Migrant workers are employed in key sectors such as construction, agriculture, and logistics. Without them, for example, supermarkets would not be stocked and packages would not be delivered. There is currently a shortage of housing, which means they often stay in vacation resorts or private homes. These situations are all too often unsafe and inhumane, and they increase pressure on the housing market.
Has the municipality already made a final decision to build this housing?
No. The City Council has decided that the project initiators may investigate the feasibility of the plan. This includes, among other things, financial feasibility, regulations regarding proper land use, and how the project as a whole can function within the existing environment of businesses and residents. If a feasible plan is presented that complies with laws and regulations, the intention is to grant a permit. No final decision has been made at this time.
How is the decision-making process regarding housing handled?
If, following the investigation, the initiators decide to submit an application for an environmental permit, you can read about it on the official announcements website. You can also receive government announcements by email. To do so, you can sign up on the government’s website. The municipality will carefully review the application and then make a decision. If the municipality grants a permit and you disagree with that decision, you may file an objection. You must be an interested party to file an objection.
Can I share my opinion on this plan?
Yes. The project sponsors are organizing a community dialogue. There, you can share your wishes, ideas, and concerns. The project sponsors are responsible for this dialogue and will provide updates on it. If the municipality grants an environmental permit later in the process, stakeholders may file an objection.
Will this housing replace housing for other residents?
No. The municipality will be building new homes for various target groups in the coming years. In Zevenbergen Oost, for example, more than 1,000 homes will be built, with the first ones scheduled for completion in 2026.
Do migrant workers get priority for housing?
No. This plan is for specific housing for migrant workers who are staying in the municipality for a short period of time. Migrant workers who want to stay longer and are looking for a rental apartment can register with the housing authority. They will then be placed on the same waiting list as everyone else.
How can disturbances be prevented?
The plan includes 24/7 management and clear guidelines regarding rules of conduct. This ensures oversight and allows any problems to be addressed quickly.
What does this mean for local services, such as family doctors, stores, and roads?
The arrival of migrant workers can have a positive impact on stores and other amenities, as it brings in more customers. The organizers are also assessing whether the infrastructure and traffic can handle the plan. Primary care will be provided on-site, so there will be no need to rely on the existing general practitioners in Zevenbergen.
How long does it take for a decision to be made?
The project initiators need anywhere from a few months to a year to conduct research and engage in community dialogue. Preparing the application for an environmental permit therefore takes quite some time. Once the application for an environmental permit has been submitted, the municipality reviews the plan and makes a decision. That, too, takes time.
Can I object to this plan?
Not at this time, because no application has been submitted yet. Once an environmental permit has been granted, you can file an objection through the usual procedures.
Where can I find more information?
The organizers will soon hold an informational meeting and notify the local community about it.
Is taxpayer money being used for this plan?
No, the costs are entirely borne by the project sponsors. The costs incurred by the municipality (such as the use of staff to review the plans) are paid by the project sponsors (application fees).
Why might this project move along faster than other housing projects?
Of course, this initiative must also go through the necessary procedures. A housing project involves quite a few steps and often requires the involvement of multiple parties. Since the application is being handled by a single project initiator in this case, the process may move more quickly. The planned housing will likely be constructed using modular construction methods rather than traditional methods. That, too, speeds up the construction process.
Does this initiative generate revenue for the municipality?
This initiative does not generate any revenue for the municipality; the costs paid by the developer are administrative fees intended to cover expenses such as personnel costs. It is true, however, that migrant workers who are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) are considered residents of our municipality. For this, we receive a contribution from the Municipal Fund. Migrant workers who stay in the Netherlands for less than 4 months are not required to register in the BRP. Instead, they must pay a tourist tax.
Are migrant workers paid less than Dutch workers?
Migrant workers have the same right to wages as a Dutch citizen doing the same job.
How many migrant workers are coming to the municipality of Moerdijk?
It is estimated that there are currently 4,600 migrant workers in the municipality, and the LPM project is expected to bring in an additional 1,000 migrant workers. We know the addresses of approximately 600 migrant workers within our municipality. They live with farmers, in guesthouses, and at the Port of Moerdijk hotel. In addition, migrant workers rent individual rooms in private homes. As soon as adequate housing is secured, we will begin enforcing regulations regarding this type of room rental. The agreement is that each municipality will organize housing for the number of migrant workers employed in that municipality. Because LPM serves a regional function, it has been agreed that we will share responsibility for ensuring adequate housing throughout the region.
There are plans and studies for new large-scale housing for a total of 1,682 migrant workers. Below is an overview of the current status of each initiative:
- For the project at Blokdijk 1 in Moerdijk (450 migrant workers), the application for an environmental permit is currently being processed. It is expected that the permit will be granted in mid-2025.
- The request for approval in principle has been reviewed for the initiative at Oudemolensedijk 13 (320 migrant workers) in Fijnaart. The next step will be the draft application.
- A new developer is being considered for the project at Zwaluwsedijk 7 in Moerdijk (112 migrant workers). The request for approval in principle is currently under review.
- The request for approval in principle has been reviewed for the initiative on De Langeweg in Zevenbergen (800 migrant workers). The next step will be the draft application.
Are migrant workers taking our jobs?
Migrant workers often fill job openings where there is a shortage of local workers. They are essential to the economy; without them, supermarkets would be empty, packages would not be packed or delivered, and homes would not be built.
Why this location?
The developer has an option on the land. The site appears to be well-located and large enough to accommodate this number of people while still leaving sufficient space for green areas, parking, and recreational facilities.
Why is this land being used for housing instead of trees and green space?
The land is privately owned. The municipality cannot require the owner to, for example, plant trees on it.
Will the migrant workers stay here for a longer period of time?
Most migrant workers will live here for up to one year.
Are nitrogen emissions being taken into account?
The project proponent must comply with laws and regulations. The project proponent must conduct a nitrogen assessment. The environmental agency then determines whether the plan meets the standard. If the standard is exceeded, an environmental permit for nature conservation is required. The province evaluates this permit.