Amsterdam is an international, diverse and multi-voiced city. A city of people who have lived here for generations and people who have only just arrived. Many Amsterdammers are concerned about the state of the world: the rise of fascism, the erosion of the international legal order, and the climate catastrophe that is increasingly unfolding. 

In our diverse and international city, where people from all corners of the world live, work, and study, it is important that we hold on to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. That is precisely why we believe it is important that Amsterdam ensures dignified treatment of asylum seekers and undocumented people, invites them to be part of the city, and gives them the opportunity to learn and work.

A dignified life for every Amsterdammer

In recent years, Amsterdam has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of refugees and undocumented residents. GroenLinks will always stand firmly for the protection and support of these fellow Amsterdammers.

Everyone in our city is an Amsterdammer. And every Amsterdammer deserves a life in dignity. That is why Amsterdam ensures humane treatment for asylum seekers and undocumented people. We invite them to be part of our city and give them opportunities to learn and work. We provide proper shelter and guidance for undocumented residents. 

What we will do in the coming years

  • We will continue to welcome refugees and undocumented people, even when the national government tries to block this. In Amsterdam, 24-hour shelter for undocumented residents will remain in place, despite the national government abolishing this facility (LVV). The current maximum stay of one and a half years will be replaced by tailor-made support instead of rigid time limits.
  • We will continue to speak out against criminalising undocumented status. For us, no human being is illegal.
  • We will establish a healthcare fund for undocumented residents. Amsterdam will create a fund to cover medical care that falls outside the basic insurance package for undocumented people. The Medical Care for Undocumented Residents (MOO) will also be continued. Amsterdam will advocate for national-level care and shelter for undocumented people with serious psychological or physical health needs.
  • We will introduce a form of identification for undocumented residents. This will allow everyone access to Amsterdam’s public services and ensure that no one is excluded.
  • We will consistently stand up and speak out against human rights violations, because human rights apply always and everywhere. 

What we have already achieved

  • We currently provide shelter for 8,179 asylum seekers, Ukrainians and undocumented residents in Amsterdam. Eight years ago, this number was just 500. We are proud that Amsterdam looks out for those who have it harder than we do.
  • We continued to provide shelter for undocumented residents even after national funding for the LVV was cut. While the national government withdrew its support, Amsterdam did not abandon its undocumented residents and continued providing shelter using its own resources.
  • We ensure good care after asylum. We help people get to work as quickly as possible and participate in society in every other way. Refugees receive psychosocial support.
  • We have given special attention to undocumented children and young people. Undocumented young people in Amsterdam are given the opportunity to study. GroenLinks also submitted a proposal to make the city pass available to undocumented children, allowing them to participate fully, for example by buying a laptop or school supplies, or by going to sports clubs, the cinema, and other activities, just like their classmates.

Want to read more about our plans to tackle the housing crisis? Read the summary of our election programme in English or our full programme in Dutch.