The number of asylum seekers in the registration center in Ter Apel has risen to 2,100, the highest number in more than a month. This is again above the agreed limit of 2,000 people, which is why the reception agency COA must again pay a penalty of 50,000 euros.
A large shelter for 1,250 asylum seekers was opened in Biddinghuizen last week. As a result, the occupancy in Ter Apel quickly fell from almost 2,100 people to just over 1,700. After that, the registration center quickly filled up again. “There is too little flow to other reception locations due to a shortage thereof,” says a COA spokesperson.
In addition, too few status holders, recognized refugees, can move from asylum seeker centers to regular housing. As a result, their places are not available.
COA has had to pay 1.35 million euros in penalty payments since the beginning of September. The maximum amount is 5 million euros. This will not be achieved until mid-January at the earliest.