The boat in Meppel where refugees are accommodated will be replaced by a smaller boat. Where there is currently room for 192 refugees, the new boat can accommodate 144 refugees.
This means that the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) must look for new accommodation for almost fifty people. The municipality of Meppel writes that part of that group has already been accommodated elsewhere.
“The expectation and commitment is that an alternative place will be available for all residents no later than March 31, 2026.” The change of ships is on March 31.
Since 2022, refugees have been accommodated on boats in Meppel. That first happened at another place in Meppel.
There were also two boats temporarily, but since 2024 there has only been one larger boat in Meppel. It is located near a business and industrial estate, close to the Sethehaven.
The contract between COA and the shipping company to rent the boat expires at the end of this month. In the search for a new boat, COA did not find a boat with an equal number of beds. “The market for suitable ships is currently very limited.”
Last year, all local politicians agreed to extend the agreement with the COA for the reception of refugees in Meppel until 2028.
