COA introduces controlled access to the reception centre in Ter Apel

COA announced that it is introducing controlled access at the reception centre in Ter Apel, as its current occupancy, which has exceeded 2,306, is above capacity and poses risks to the safety and quality of life of both residents and employees. It stated that controlled access means that not everyone who applies at Ter Apel will be admitted. Priority will be given first to the most vulnerable asylum seekers on the basis of a vulnerability assessment. 

COA emphasised the problem that there are too few shelters elsewhere in the country to accommodate residents from Ter Apel, and highlighted its dependency on municipalities in this regard. It also referred to the high and sustained pressure on the asylum chain, the lengthy stay of residents due to prolonged procedures, the large number of people with a residence permit (19,000) who are waiting for housing from municipalities, and the increased closure of locations, all of which are contributing to a shortage of shelter places.