Amsterdam Repatriates Homeless Crack Users Amid Growing Concerns

Amsterdam is increasing its efforts to repatriate homeless individuals, particularly those struggling with crack addiction, to their countries of origin. This move comes as the city grapples with rising public disorder linked to drug use and seeks solutions to address the growing problem.

Increase in Repatriations

Over the past five years, Amsterdam has seen a steady increase in the number of homeless people being repatriated. In 2025, welfare organizations Regenboog Groep and Per Mens collectively repatriated 532 individuals, with a significant portion being crack addicts . Most of those repatriated were sent to Eastern European countries .

Mayor Halsema’s Investigation

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema announced last week that she would investigate whether foreign homeless crack users can be repatriated more often, citing increasing problems caused by crack users on the city’s streets . The city is currently exploring concrete options for expanding repatriation efforts .

Voluntary Repatriation and EU Regulations

Repatriations generally occur on a voluntary basis. EU citizens cannot be forcibly removed from an EU country unless they have committed a crime .

The Role of Regenboog Groep

The Regenboog Groep played a key role in the repatriation process, assisting 313 homeless individuals in returning to their home countries in 2025. These individuals were primarily men aged 30 to 50 from Poland, Romania, Germany, and Hungary. Approximately 40 of those repatriated by Regenboog Groep were addicted to crack . This represents an increase from 2021, when the Regenboog Groep repatriated 168 people .

Challenges Posed by Crack Addiction

Social workers identify homeless individuals addicted to crack as the “biggest challenge” . Many become addicted to crack while in Amsterdam, drawn by its affordability and accessibility. They often rely on begging, collecting cans for deposit refunds, and other informal means of income .

Similar Efforts in Rotterdam

A similar initiative to help homeless Eastern Europeans return to their home countries is also underway in Rotterdam .

Underlying Factors

Many of those who end up homeless in the Netherlands initially came to the country for low-skilled jobs but became homeless after losing employment – a situation that Dutch governments have struggled to address .