King Willem-Alexander and State Secretary Eric van der Burg of Asiel visited the application center for asylum seekers in Ter Apel this afternoon. They spoke with, among others, the employees of the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) and with asylum seekers who have just arrived in the Netherlands.
They discussed the situation in the reception centre, the experiences of COA employees and the prospects. They also spoke with the local police officer and agents of the aliens police. In addition, the King spoke with the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and Refugee Work.
King Willem-Alexander van Van der Burg met asylum seekers who have just arrived in the Netherlands in the waiting room of the application centre. They told about their journey and the situation in their country. Subsequently, discussions were held with a number of employees of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
The working visit was concluded with a meeting with the mayor and an alderman of the municipality of Westerwolde and with a number of local entrepreneurs. They discussed the impact of the situation on residents and entrepreneurs in Ter Apel.
The king had to cough regularly during the visit, for which he apologized. Willem-Alexander told MSF staff, who have been providing medical assistance in Ter Apel since last week, that he is recovering from pneumonia.