The Justice and Security and Healthcare and Youth inspectorates are very concerned about the living conditions in the registration center for asylum seekers in Ter Apel. They call the situation “extremely critical” and call on all levels of government, from municipalities to the government, in a letter to help COA provide better shelter.
There are currently many more people staying in Ter Apel than there is room for. There are ‘structurally too few places’ available, especially for unaccompanied minors. “The risk of sleeping outside is increasing every day,” warns Inspector General Esther de Kleuver of the Justice and Security Inspectorate.
Healthcare in the registration center is also inadequate. Asylum seekers have to wait too long for a medical intake or tuberculosis screening.
“There must be a quick prospect of shelter that is liveable and safe,” says De Kleuver. “And at the same time it can also be carried out safely for the COA employees involved.” According to the inspections, the current pressure on asylum reception has ‘serious consequences for the quality of life and safety of residents and employees’.
The COA announced last week that there is still a shortage of shelter places and that the pressure on Ter Apel remains high.