Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we can help with:

• Registration in the RNI (Non-Residents Registration) – for stays shorter than 4 months in the Netherlands.
• Enrollment in the BRP (Personal Records Database) – for stays longer than 4 months in the Netherlands.

In both cases, a BSN (Citizen Service Number) is issued immediately.

In the Netherlands, you need a BSN in order to:

• Work (for payroll and tax purposes)
• Open a bank account
• Take out health insurance
• Access Dutch government services

Yes, we support EU citizens in applying for a DigiD. This allows secure online access to government and other official services in the Netherlands. Non-residents (RNI registrants) can also apply for a DigiD.

Yes, we support EU citizens in contacting their respective consulate and in applying for a passport, as long as it is a logical and necessary step in the recovery and reintegration process.

No, Barka does not have its own shelter facilities in the Netherlands. We work together with other organizations and institutions to arrange (temporary) shelter when needed.

In Poland, Barka operates self-sustaining living and working communities. In other EU countries, depending on the situation, we facilitate connection to social shelters, medical institutions, addiction clinics, rehabilitation centers, etc.

We can mediate access for vulnerable EU citizens to shelters for homeless individuals in the Netherlands.
If the person is entitled to social rights in the Netherlands (e.g. through a relevant work history or another lawful residency status), they can be accommodated within the regular care system. We also assist in collecting the necessary documentation to establish this legal status.

If an EU citizen does not have access to regular social shelters (yet), there are – depending on the municipality (and regional binding) – possibilities for temporary stay in specially designated short-term EU shelters. We are active in these shelters, supporting people and helping them build perspectives for a life beyond the streets.

No, we do not have housing of our own. However, we can provide advice and guidance to help people on their way to finding suitable housing.

If someone is not self-reliant enough to take action themselves, it’s important to immediately contact us.
As soon as we receive the support request, we work together with the person to find the most realistic short-term solution.

Depending on the individual situation, several options are possible:

• Assessing access to regular emergency shelters or designated short-term EU shelters, and if needed, obtaining other social provisions (such as benefits, emergency assistance, or legal support).
• Immediate re-entry into the Dutch labor market (work and accommodation).
• Reconnecting with their country of origin.

Yes, we can guide people through the process of applying for sickness benefit, unemployment benefit (WW), social assistance benefit, and/or homelessness benefit. We make sure all necessary documents are collected and that the correct steps are followed.

Yes, we offer support in finding employment, including:

• Assistance with writing a CV and cover letter
• Help with job searching and the application process
• Connecting with relevant employers and agencies
• Referral to courses or training programs to improve skills (commonly VCA certificate, forklift license, language courses, etc.)

Yes, we can support people with less complex financial problems, such as setting up personal payment arrangements. For more complex debt situations, we work together with specialized debt counseling organizations.

Yes, we can support EU citizens who are involved in situations of domestic violence. We ensure that they receive guidance from specialized care institutions and help them understand and follow the process. We also assist both the client and care providers to ensure necessary protection and support.

Yes, depending on the situation, we can refer people and facilitate accessible contact with appropriate psychological services, both in the Netherlands and in their country of origin, so they receive the support they need.

We can guide individuals in their reintegration into society by supporting their (re)entry into the Dutch labor market and, if applicable, by connecting them with relevant institutions and support programs, both in the Netherlands and in their country of origin.

Depending on the situation, we can refer people and facilitate accessible contact with detox and addiction clinics. This can be arranged either in the Netherlands or in their home country, depending on their insurance status and language skills of the individual.

Yes, we can help vulnerable and homeless individuals who see no future in the Netherlands to reconnect with their country of origin. Many people choose to return to their families and regain strength in a familiar environment. Others are unable or afraid to take that step and require more support during the return process.

Depending on what is appropriate, a suitable place can be arranged in one of Barka’s self-sustaining living and working communities in Poland, to a social shelter, medical facility, addiction clinic, or rehabilitation center in their home country.

We are not official interpreters, but when needed, we assist in overcoming communication barriers — especially when language is an obstacle in a vulnerable person’s recovery and reintegration process.

Yes, we can assist EU citizens with disputes involving their employer. If our mediation does not resolve the issue, we can refer the employee to legal support or other organizations for more specialized assistance.