There is an acute emergency situation in the reception of asylum seekers. Due to a shortage of reception places, a situation may arise in the coming weeks in which asylum seekers can no longer be received, writes outgoing State Secretary Broekers-Knol to the House of Representatives.
“That would be an unacceptable situation,” said the state secretary. “Also because the Netherlands has committed itself to the reception of asylum seekers through EU law and international treaties.” She may now enforce shelters.
There has been a shortage of reception places for some time, while the influx of asylum seekers is high. Every week about a thousand people in the Netherlands now report.
2000 spots needed
After several calls from Broekers-Knol, 8500 temporary emergency shelter places have recently been realized in sports halls, holiday parks and old barracks, in consultation with the municipalities involved. 10,500 homes have also been found for status holders, so that places will become available in the reception again.
But all that is not enough, the state secretary writes. “Before the end of the year, at least 2000 reception places are needed.” She concludes that the current working method is no longer sufficient.
“That means that measures must be taken that guarantee extra reception places.” Broekers-Knol does not write what these measures are, but it could mean that she wants to force municipalities to make places available. She wants to clarify that next week.
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