Stadsloket Centre — Local services in Amsterdam

I was not accepted today even though I was at the gate before 17:00 which is the closing time. I was told that they had returned too many people already, so that they could not let me in.

While I was talking to the security personnel holding the door, trying to understand why I could not get in and asking some questions at least to ease my next visit, another gigantic being who was apparently a security staff or sth constantly made gestures to this kind one to stop talking to me and send me away. Finally, I got quite annoyed by his ignorant and disrespectful interruptions, and couldn't resist but reacted not only to himself, but also to this bizarre rule making mentality.

If the gate closes earlier than 17:00, then this must be explicitly indicated with highlights! Else, if it is written that the office closes at 17:00, then no crowd can be a reason good enough to close the gates before 17:00. I do not pay taxes to return from the gate empty handed, or even worse being treated disrespectfully.

When I decided to elevate the issue to a managerial level, I was first told that I should come again tomorrow. As a funny bonus, I was not allowed to take any photo or given some data to be able to refer to this disrespectful staff member. I hope to witness how their managers reacts to this story tomorrow. Though, I have already lost the faith for finding any proper manager who can show enough care or at least the necessary discipline.

Is this an accepted new norm for expats who are first invited to the country for their skills and talents, but then are faced with such a face of the so-called system? Is this really the face of The Netherlands?...

I don’t know why this municipality gets 3.3 stars on average. My experience was really really great. I have been in the Netherlands for 2 months and I just got a registrable room in Amsterdam. I have 1 month to register myself before my bank account gets frozen. The latest available date on the calendar was 3 weeks or 1 month later so I tried to contact the Gemeente if it’s possible for me to get an exception.

I called and emailed them and they replied that it was not possible so I had to follow the schedule on the calendar and I accepted it. Three days later, they emailed me that there was one slot available in the next week because someone canceled their appointment and obviously I took their offer. The process was fast and easy, all you need is to bring all of the documents that they require on the website (don’t forget to print them). The lady at the counter 22nd was very helpful and friendly, even she tried to calm me down when I looked nervous lol.

I wish every visitor could get what I have experienced in this Gementee.

Thank you for your...

I was extremely disappointed with my recent experience at the Municipality of Amsterdam. I went in with an urgent need to update my BRP, but was met with a lack of empathy and even rudeness from the staff at the civil affairs desk. Despite my flexibility and willingness to wait as long as it takes, the man I spoke with seemed disinterested in helping me and even threatened to call the police if I didn't leave.

It's unacceptable for any government institution to treat its citizens with such a lack of humanity and concern for their well-being. This is especially concerning considering the municipality's responsibility to uphold and protect human rights.

Thankfully, I was able to get the help I needed at Stadsloket Oost, but the fact that I was treated so poorly at the Municipality of Amsterdam is unacceptable. I hope that the staff there receive better training in providing customer service and empathy, because everyone deserves to be treated with respect...