The need is less urgent now, but there are still too many people in Ter Apel. After last year’s crisis, it was agreed with the municipality of Westerwold that no more than two thousand people would remain in the registration center. But there are still between 2,200 and 2,300.
It’s still exciting, because many COA reception sites are temporary. According to the latest figures shared with NU.nl, there are 92 regular shelters and 157 emergency shelters that will remain open for a few weeks or months. In addition, there are 58 other crisis reception locations in emergency situations, for example, in event halls. Asylum seekers stay there for the shortest possible period.
Van der Burgh said that in the coming weeks, more new asylum seekers will be accommodated in sports and event halls. The first opens on Friday and seats 150 people. The outgoing Foreign Minister believes: “We will not succeed in providing residential or guest accommodation.” “This is today’s reality.”