rssNov 14, 2026, 06:00

Amsterdam helping more homeless people return abroad: "A rodeo every time"

Amsterdam is seeing a significant increase in the number of homeless people being repatriated to their home countries as local shelters struggle to meet the demand. While city officials and welfare organizations facilitate these voluntary returns, the process is often challenging due to the vulnerable state of the individuals involved.

The number of homeless people repatriated from Amsterdam to their countries of origin has more than doubled in five years, rising from 281 in 2022 to 640 by October 2023. Field workers from organizations like PerMens assist these individuals by offering them transit tickets, as the local shelter system in Amsterdam is currently overwhelmed by high demand. While some repatriations are supported by additional care, many are rapid transfers where individuals are sent home with little more than a ticket. This process can be challenging, as many homeless individuals suffer from confusion or substance abuse, making their departure difficult to coordinate. Field workers emphasize that all repatriations are voluntary and often complex, sometimes requiring significant effort to ensure the individuals actually reach their destinations. The city council continues to push for these initiatives, viewing them as a necessary response to the growing number of homeless EU citizens and migrants who lack social ties to the city and face bleak prospects on the streets.

Politics Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands World

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Halsema: no link between Red Line demonstration and Kristallnacht commemoration

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has stated there is no link between the Red Line demonstration and the Kristallnacht commemoration, following criticism from Jewish community leaders. During a city council meeting, Halsema supported a message of unity and peace, distancing the memorial from political protests.

Mixed feelings at Dam Square after major US Democratic victory: "It makes me emotional"

Americans visiting Amsterdam on Dam Square shared mixed reactions to the recent U.S. midterm election results, which saw significant gains for the Democratic party. While some tourists expressed concern or indifference, others celebrated the outcome as a positive turning point for social issues and political representation.

Light show returns to Dam Square on New Year's Eve, 'grim atmosphere has been turned around'

Amsterdam will again host a light and music show on the Dam this New Year's Eve to promote a festive atmosphere, as part of a city-wide effort to create new traditions amid a national ban on consumer fireworks. While the mayor praised the shift toward safer celebrations, she remains focused on managing potential illegal firework activity and resolving community tensions in neighborhoods like Floradorp.

Amsterdam uproots 180 elm trees to determine optimal growing conditions

The municipality of Amsterdam has concluded a long-term study by removing 180 elm trees planted eight years ago in various soil mixtures at the Westelijk Havengebied. The project aims to identify the optimal growing conditions for urban trees to ensure a healthier, more resilient city forest capable of mitigating the effects of climate change.

Mark hangs 10 meters high in tree to protest felling: "A shame to cut it down"

Tree surgeon Mark Helsloot is protesting the planned felling of fifty healthy trees at the Elswout estate by spending his weekend in a hammock ten meters above the ground. While Staatsbosbeheer intends to remove the trees next Tuesday to restore the historic landscape, local opposition remains strong with nearly two thousand petition signatures.